Arunachal kiwi reaches Dubai market opens export avenues for growers

    Itanagar, Oct 29 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday hailed the state's maiden trial shipment of kiwi to Dubai, saying the initiative would expand market access for local growers and create opportunities for better farm incomes.

    The kiwi consignment, flagged off from Itanagar on October 26, is being showcased at LuLu Hypermarket in Al Qusais, Dubai, as part of efforts to explore international markets for the state's horticultural produce.

    In a social media post, Khandu lauded the efforts of the state departments of Trade and Commerce and Horticulture, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society in taking Arunachal's kiwi to overseas markets.

    Describing the initiative as more than an export milestone, the chief minister said it was a victory for farmers, as it connected their produce with international consumers and opened avenues for higher incomes, wider market access and sustainable rural livelihoods.

    Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also hailed the arrival of the state's kiwi in Dubai, terming it an important milestone in taking the state's horticultural produce to international markets.

    In a social media post, Mein said continued support and stronger market linkages would help take Arunachal Pradesh's rich agricultural produce to global markets.

    The 1.5-tonne trial consignment is intended to showcase the quality of kiwi grown in Arunachal Pradesh and assess its commercial potential in the United Arab Emirates, according to reports on the shipment.

    The initiative has been undertaken under the Arunachal Kiwi Project through collaboration between the state government and APEDA. The trial is expected to help assess market response and identify opportunities for developing regular export channels.

    Ziro Valley in Lower Subansiri district is a key kiwi-growing region of the state. The Kiwi Growers Cooperative Society has been working with growers to strengthen market linkages and explore opportunities for selling the fruit beyond local markets.

    At a preparatory meeting in Ziro earlier this month, APEDA officials discussed pilot export prospects for Ziro kiwi to Dubai and Singapore. The discussions also highlighted the need to improve grading, packaging and post-harvest management, and to ensure compliance with international quality standards to make exports commercially sustainable.

    Arunachal Pradesh has been seeking to strengthen its horticulture sector through better branding, value addition and access to premium markets. The state launched the Arunachal Pradesh Kiwi Mission 2025-2035 in September 2025, with a focus on expanding kiwi cultivation and developing the crop's domestic and international market potential.

    The Dubai initiative is expected to provide growers with an opportunity to explore overseas demand and build stronger market linkages, while helping position Arunachal Pradesh's horticultural produce in international markets.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)