Nagaland set to benefit from international kiwifruit collaboration with New Zealand

A five-member Indian delegation, including Meyasashi, Director of Horticulture, and S. Senka, Joint Director of Horticulture from Nagaland, visited New Zealand from February 12 to 15, 2025, as part of a key initiative to boost the kiwifruit industry in India.

The visit was organized by the New Zealand Embassy in Delhi in collaboration with Zespri International Limited, New Zealand, aiming to develop and expand the kiwifruit sector in India. Over the four-day trip, the delegation engaged with stakeholders in Auckland, including the Consul General of India, the India-New Zealand Business Council, scientists from Plant & Food Research and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, as well as officials from Zespri International Ltd. and Mâori kiwifruit growers.

Nagaland, which stands as the second-largest kiwifruit producing state in India, is set to reap substantial benefits from this international collaboration. The visit allowed the delegation to gain valuable insights by touring kiwifruit orchards, export packhouses, and nurseries, where they learned about best practices in cultivation, post-harvest management, and export procedures.

This exchange of expertise and technology is expected to significantly enhance kiwifruit production in Nagaland and India at large. With support from both the central and state governments, the collaboration could lead to economic growth, creating new opportunities for local farmers and improving their livelihoods through better farming practices and increased market access.

The partnership with New Zealand—globally recognized as a leader in kiwifruit production and export—holds promising prospects for Nagaland’s agricultural future.

MT