- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sun, 21 Sep 2025 03:14 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The conditions in Uttarakhand’s hill districts are proving favourable for kiwi fruit cultivation, prompting the state government to launch a Rs 800-crore Kiwi Mission. Under the project, kiwi farming will be expanded to 3,500 hectares across all mountainous districts, though challenges such as the lack of saplings remain.
To address this, a four-member team from the Horticulture Department will visit Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on September 25 to study advanced techniques. According to Dr Narendra Yadav, CEO of the Uttarakhand Horticulture Council, Arunachal Pradesh has set a benchmark in kiwi production in India, making it an ideal model for Uttarakhand to learn from.
Dr Yadav said large-scale planting material, particularly saplings, will be required for the mission. Currently, Uttarakhand lacks a kiwi nursery or model orchard. Based on the Arunachal study tour, the state plans to establish its own nursery and strengthen infrastructure.
A 28-hectare kiwi nursery is set to come up in Karmi, Bageshwar, which will be developed as a Kiwi Centre of Excellence.
The study team includes Dr Suresh Ram, Joint Director (Horticulture), Mahendra Pal, Director (Horticulture Mission), Dr Narendra Yadav, and nursery development officers Mohit Palli and Rahul Meena.
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Current Kiwi Cultivation in Uttarakhand
- Nainital: 115 hectares, 96 MT
- Almora: 35.40 hectares, 9.60 MT
- Bageshwar: 69.61 hectares, 60 MT
- Pithoragarh: 40.46 hectares, nil
- Champawat: 24.19 hectares, 18.75 MT
- Dehradun: 135.89 hectares, nil
- Pauri: 113.08 hectares, 0.25 MT
- Tehri: 73.80 hectares, 18.90 MT
- Chamoli: 33.13 hectares, 1.80 MT
- Rudraprayag: 48.30 hectares, 1.50 MT
- Uttarkashi: 58.57 hectares, 175 MT
Officials say the mission will not only boost fruit production but also create new avenues of income for farmers in hilly regions.