Arunachal Pradesh has successfully exported its first consignment of kiwis to Dubai, a significant step for the state's horticultural sector. The 1.5 metric ton shipment was officially flagged off from Itanagar on October 26, 2026, as part of the 'Unique Selling Point (USP) of the Arunachal Pradesh Kiwi project' and facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Export Milestone Amidst Domestic Challenges
While the trial export opens avenues for better prices and wider markets internationally, it casts a spotlight on the challenges faced by local kiwi growers. Arunachal Pradesh contributed 852 metric tons of kiwis in 2025-26, representing 50 percent of India's total production. Despite this robust output, farmers are increasingly concerned about the influx of cheaper, non-organic kiwi imports.
The Threat of Cheap Imports
Hibu Gambo, who leads a cooperative society of approximately 200 kiwi growers in Ziro Valley, highlighted the core issue. Only Grade A kiwis, typically weighing 100 grams or more, qualify for export. This leaves a substantial quantity of smaller fruits for the domestic market, where they face stiff competition from imports.
"The imported ones are not organic, so they can sell at Rs 60 to 70 per kg in wholesale markets. As our kiwis are organic, we can't sell at their price. So we lose in the competition," Gambo stated.
Arunachal Pradesh's organic kiwis are priced considerably higher, ranging from Rs 140 to Rs 150 per kilogram in wholesale markets. Compounding the problem, kiwis from countries like Chile and Iran arrive in Indian markets by early September, well before Arunachal Pradesh's harvest season, which begins in mid-October. This early market entry often forces local farmers to harvest their fruits prematurely, even before full ripeness, to avoid direct competition.
Organic Status and Certification Hurdles
Although Arunachal's kiwis are inherently organic, many farmers lack official organic certification. This absence prevents them from securing premium prices that their organic produce could command. Obtaining private certification can cost between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per hectare, a prohibitive expense for many small-scale growers. While government agency certification is more affordable at Rs 500-600 per hectare, farmers require greater governmental assistance to navigate this process.
Boosting Local Produce: GI Tag and Support
With nearly 650 hectares under kiwi cultivation, primarily in Ziro Valley, there is a strong call for measures to bolster the local industry. Farmer Taku Chatung emphasized the positive aspect of APEDA's trial export but stressed the need to address farmer concerns to sustain and grow kiwi cultivation, thereby generating more employment. Chatung also advocated for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Ziro kiwis, believing it would enhance branding and secure better prices for their unique produce.