ZIRO, 1 Oct: A preparatory meeting to explore export opportunities and strengthen market linkages for Ziro Kiwi was held at the Conference Hall of the District Secretariat Building here on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by APEDA consultant Saurabh Srivastava, deputy director of the department of trade & commerce Jainy Badu, district officials, members of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society Ltd, progressive farmers and local kiwi growers.
The meeting, chaired by assistant commissioner Radhe Tatung, discussed the prospects, challenges and roadmap for taking Ziro Kiwi to international markets. Tatung highlighted Ziro Valley's prominent position in kiwi cultivation and stressed the need for a structured export model to help farmers access international markets and secure better returns.
Srivastava informed that APEDA is exploring a pilot consignment of two metric tonnes of Ziro Kiwi to Singapore and Dubai this year. The proposed initiative will assess production capacity, quality standards, marketing arrangements and existing bottlenecks in kiwi cultivation and trade.
He also highlighted improved air connectivity from Guwahati to destinations including Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok, which could facilitate export logistics.
District horticulture officer Hibu Dante observed that Ziro Kiwi is traditionally cultivated without chemical inputs and has potential for organic certification. He stressed the need for necessary certification and sought handholding and capacity-building programmes to familiarise growers with export procedures and international quality requirements.
Chairman of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society Ltd, Ziro, Bamin Siiri informed that around 200 farmers are registered with the society and that four major varieties-Allison, Bruno, Monty and Hayward-are cultivated in the valley. He expressed confidence that arranging the proposed two-metric-tonne pilot consignment would be manageable and assured the society's cooperation.
Siiri also highlighted the issue of outside buyers purchasing kiwi before the fruits reach maturity, which often compels farmers to sell prematurely at unfavourable prices. He called for direct market linkages and greater recognition of the distinct identity of "Ziro Kiwi".
District agriculture officer Leegang Ania called for technological and logistical support for post-harvest management and requested assistance in providing an automatic grading machine. She also sought transport subsidies and support mechanisms for kiwi growers across the district.
Jainy Badu invited kiwi growers to participate in a proposed handholding training programme on export procedures scheduled to be held in Itanagar in November 2026 in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Kolkata. He also informed that the state government is exploring possibilities of exporting kiwi to Southeast Asian markets through the Pangsau Pass route at Nampong.
Trade development officer Tai Arun stressed the importance of packaging, grading, quality assurance and collective marketing to make Ziro Kiwi competitive in domestic and international markets. He also proposed a specialised training programme on packaging for national and international markets in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata, at Ziro.
Senior progressive farmer Hage Tara and other growers shared their experiences and highlighted the need for improved market access, post-harvest infrastructure, technical guidance and stronger institutional support.
As part of the visit, the APEDA team also visited a kiwi orchard belonging to a member of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. The team observed the growing conditions, physical characteristics and cultivation practices of kiwi in Ziro Valley.
