The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region has launched “Mission Arunachal Kiwi: The USP of Arunachal Pradesh”, a cluster-based initiative to strengthen kiwi cultivation, processing, branding and exports in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Mission Arunachal Kiwi

• The mission was spearheaded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It has an estimated outlay of ₹167 crore.
• It follows a convergence-based approach, involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, NABARD, ICAR–Central Institute for Horticulture, APEDA, North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation, and private investors.
• Approach: Cluster-based, convergence-driven model meaning different government schemes and departments are merged into one coordinated effort rather than working in silos. 
  • This is called a whole-of-government approach.
• Six integrated Post-Harvest Management Hubs: Ziro Valley (Lower Subansiri), Dirang and Kalaktang (West Kameng), Shi Yomi, and Dibang Valley.

Why is it Important?

• Arunachal Pradesh contributes more than 50% of India’s kiwi production, producing over 7,000 metric tonnes annually.
• Despite high production, farmers often face low price realization, distress sales, inadequate storage facilities, and limited market access.

Key Objectives

• The mission aims to develop a globally competitive organic kiwi value chain.
• It seeks to strengthen scientific cultivation, post-harvest management, cold storage, processing, branding, traceability and exports.
• It aims to restore the State’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) certification and position “Arunachal Organic Kiwi” as an international brand.
• It also promotes agri-tourism, farmer producer organizations, and private sector participation.
• The mission targets the creation of 2,000 metric tonnes of cold-chain capacity.
• More than 30 strategic interventions will address gaps from production to marketing.

MDoNER’s unique products from all 8 states

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Consider the following statements regarding Mission Arunachal Kiwi:

1. Arunachal Pradesh is India’s largest kiwi-producing state.
2. The mission focuses only on increasing kiwi cultivation.
3. The mission aims to develop branding, exports and cold-chain infrastructure.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

One-Line Wrap

Mission Arunachal Kiwi is a first-of-its-kind value-chain initiative aimed at transforming Arunachal Pradesh’s kiwi sector into a globally recognized organic horticulture success story.

SOURCE