Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday met and interacted with a delegation from Zespri International, New Zealand, to discuss potential collaboration aimed at developing the kiwifruit sector in the state.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Rio said discussions focused on collaboration to strengthen kiwifruit production in Nagaland and added that he looked forward to taking the engagement forward.
The interaction builds on earlier efforts to enhance international cooperation in the horticulture sector. In February 2025, a five member Indian delegation, which included Meyasashi, Director of Horticulture, and S Senka, Joint Director of Horticulture from Nagaland, visited New Zealand as part of an 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.
During the February visit, the delegation engaged with a range of stakeholders in Auckland, including officials from Zespri International, scientists from Plant and Food Research and the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, representatives of the India New Zealand Business Council, and Mâori kiwifruit growers. The team also toured orchards, export packhouses and nurseries to study best practices in cultivation, post harvest management and export processes.
RECAP | Nagaland set to benefit from international kiwifruit collaboration with New Zealand
Nagaland, the second largest kiwifruit producing state in India, is expected to benefit from continued collaboration through improved production practices, technology exchange and better market access for local farmers.
