Background: the Mission on Arunachal Kiwi behind the State's first export

Background

The trial kiwi shipment to Dubai grows out of the Mission on "Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh", launched in May 2026 by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region. The mission has an outlay of about ₹167 crore and follows a cluster-based approach to develop the fruit's value chain. It plans six Post-Harvest Management Hubs spread across Ziro Valley, Dirang, Kalaktang, Shi Yomi and Dibang Valley, and a brand called "Arunachal Organic Kiwi" to be placed in export markets by FY 2028. Arunachal contributes over 50 percent of India's kiwi, more than 7,050 MT a year, from over 3,582 hectares in 13 districts. Its November–January harvest falls in the New Zealand off-season. Each North-Eastern State has a similar signature product; Meghalaya's is Lakadong Turmeric.