Nagaland and New Zealand explore kiwifruit collaboration, focusing on cultivation, logistics, technology transfer and market linkages for farmers.
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KOHIMA — Recognising Nagaland’s potential in kiwifruit plantation and production, a cooperation meeting between New Zealand and Nagaland was held at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, on Monday night.
Addressing the programme, Michael Fox, Head of Global Public Affairs at Zespri, explained that his group is a sales and marketing organisation representing New Zealand’s 2,800 kiwifruit growers and also works with around 1,200 growers in northern hemisphere production regions.
Describing Zespri as one of the world’s leading fruit brands, Fox said the company had not come to Nagaland by accident.
Expressing confidence in the partnership, he said collaboration between Nagaland and New Zealand could unlock significant value by working together, much like how New Zealand growers built a world-leading brand through scale, supply-chain investment and innovation.
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He said that this collective approach has made New Zealand home to the world’s largest kiwifruit breeding programme and asserted that the delegation’s sole purpose was to create value for growers in Nagaland.
Fox added that Zespri is investing heavily to build demand, expand exports and generate greater value while meeting evolving consumer needs and contributing positively at a global level.
He said discussions on collaboration began a few years ago when Zespri, in coordination with the New Zealand government, explored ways to develop the Indian kiwifruit market.
Expressing optimism, Fox said Nagaland and New Zealand were steadily establishing a partnership and hoped that tangible cooperation would begin soon.
The New Zealand delegation included Himanshu Arora, Head of APAC South, Zespri; Rachel Lynch, Manager, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Zespri; Stephanie Montgomery, International Programme Manager, Bioeconomy Science Institute; Melanie Phillips, Regional Agriculture Counsellor, New Zealand High Commission; and Kethoseno Peseyie, Policy Adviser (Agriculture, Trade and Economic).
Logistics bottleneck
In her introductory address, Secretary of Horticulture Akumla Chuba said nearly 70% of Nagaland’s population depends on agriculture, with horticulture emerging as a key sector contributing significantly to economic improvement.
She said Nagaland is blessed with a favourable climate that supports a wide range of agricultural products and noted that farming practices in the state are largely indigenous.
Chuba said that while Nagaland has immense horticulture potential, the inability to scale up production stems from inadequate logistics, limited market research and weak market linkages. She stressed the importance of collaboration with industry partners from New Zealand and support from the Government of India to bridge these gaps.
Assuring full cooperation, she said the Naga people are sincere and hardworking, and added that the state government, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, remains committed to supporting such initiatives.
Joint Director of Horticulture S Senka, in his presentation, said kiwifruit cultivation in Nagaland began in 2001, starting in Zunheboto district before expanding to Phek and Kohima, aided by the state’s suitable temperate climate and altitude.
He said Phek, Kohima, Tuensang and Zunheboto are currently the major kiwifruit-producing districts, while Kiphire, Noklak and Peren are emerging as small-scale production areas, reflecting the crop’s adaptability across diverse microclimates.
Highlighting the strengths of Nagaland’s kiwifruit, Senka said the produce is naturally grown with minimal chemical use, ensuring premium quality that meets international organic standards. He added that its distinct taste, good shelf life and emerging production clusters enhance its market potential.
He also outlined key challenges, including shortage of certified planting material, lack of scientific canopy and nutrient management, limited cold-chain, storage and packing facilities, weak market linkages, insufficient branding initiatives and underdeveloped farmer-buyer connections.
Senka said New Zealand’s globally recognised expertise in kiwifruit cultivation offers a transformative opportunity for Nagaland. Potential collaboration areas include technical training in orchard management, canopy development and pruning, establishment of certified nurseries, pollination and varietal improvement, advanced post-harvest technologies, and support for branding and market development.
He said such collaboration could result in higher productivity, increased farmer income, stronger kiwifruit clusters, enhanced rural employment and long-term Indo–New Zealand horticulture cooperation.
Additional Secretary, Horticulture, Razouvolie Dozo, informed that the delegation would visit Pfutsero to explore the possibility of establishing a Centre of Excellence for kiwifruit plantation.