Ziro's Kiwi Farmers: Bringing a Superior Kiwi To Homes Across India

Kiwi farming was introduced in Ziro over two decades ago, and today, more than 100 farmers are cultivating this fruit. Hage Tara, a kiwi farmer and former chairman of the Kiwi Growers Society Cooperative Ltd, spoke about the journey: "Farming in Ziro is hard work. We have had to deal with poor infrastructure, low prices, and competition from foreign imports. But we believe in the quality of our kiwis. Ziro’s climate gives our fruit a unique taste—better than the New Zealand kiwis that people are used to. Unfortunately, not many people know this yet."

Takhe Rita, another kiwi farmer and owner of Naara Aaba winery, echoed this sentiment: "Our kiwis are special. They’re grown without chemicals, in a natural environment. The cool, temperate climate of Ziro gives our kiwis a distinctive flavour that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Our challenge has always been reaching a larger audience."

Despite the challenges, the passion of Ziro’s farmers is evident in the way they cultivate their crops, using natural farming methods that avoid chemical inputs. The farmers work tirelessly to maintain soil health, ensuring that their land remains productive for future generations.

In 2020, Ziro’s kiwi farmers made a significant achievement by becoming the first in India to receive an Organic Certification from the Government of India for kiwi production. This certification is a testament to the dedication of Ziro’s farmers to maintaining natural farming practices and producing high-quality organic kiwis. The certification not only gives the farmers credibility in domestic and international markets but also highlights Ziro as a leader in sustainable agriculture in India.

With this certification, Ziro’s kiwi farmers can confidently market their fruit as organic, meeting the growing demand for healthier, chemical-free produce. This achievement also positions Ziro to compete with global kiwi producers like New Zealand, offering consumers a more flavourful and eco-friendly alternative.

While Ziro’s farmers produce kiwis of exceptional quality, reaching markets beyond the Northeast has been difficult. That’s where Flavour Anna steps in. Vipin Nair, founder of Flavour Anna, has made it his mission to connect these farmers to larger markets across India, ensuring they get fair prices for their hard work. "Ziro’s kiwis are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. The challenge has been getting people outside the region to know about them. My goal with Flavour Anna is to make sure these incredible fruits reach consumers in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where people are looking for fresh, organic produce," said Vipin Nair.

Flavour Anna plays a crucial role in enabling farmers to bypass the traditional middlemen, ensuring that the farmers benefit directly from the sales of their produce. This transparency and fairness are empowering Ziro’s kiwi farmers to earn better incomes while preserving their natural farming practices.

One of the best-kept secrets of Ziro is the superior taste of its kiwis compared to those from New Zealand. While New Zealand kiwis are famous around the world, Ziro’s kiwis have a distinct edge in flavour thanks to the valley’s perfect growing conditions. The combination of high altitude, fertile soil, and cool temperatures gives Ziro’s kiwis a rich sweetness and tanginess that sets them apart.

Hibu Dante, head of the Horticulture Department in Ziro, also highlighted this advantage: “The soil and climate here are just right for growing kiwis with a richer, more complex taste than what you typically find in the market. People don’t realize yet that Ziro’s kiwis are not just organic—they’re superior in flavour.”

This fact is largely unknown, but as Ziro’s kiwis start to reach more homes across India, consumers are expected to quickly recognize the difference. Efforts are already underway to expand the reach of Ziro’s kiwis beyond the Northeast, with pilot tests scheduled in major Indian cities like Delhi NCR.

Despite the certification and market potential, challenges like premature contracts, inconsistent grading, and inadequate infrastructure have long affected the profitability of kiwi farming in Ziro. Farmers are often pressured to sell their produce early due to market competition and fear of spoilage, which impacts the quality of the fruit.

Hage Jarjo, chairman of the Kiwi Growers Society Cooperative Ltd, stressed the importance of addressing these issues: “Farmers often feel pressured to sell their produce early. But with better infrastructure, such as proper grading facilities and collection centers, we can ensure that only high-quality fruit reaches the market. This will significantly improve our profits.”

Nada Huri, Secretary of the Kiwi Growers Cooperative Ltd, also emphasized the need for support: “Our farmers are dedicated to improving their farming practices, but they need the right infrastructure and training to succeed. With these resources, we can elevate Ziro's kiwi farming to a national level.”

Ziro’s kiwi farming story is not just about cultivation—it’s about the farmers’ dedication, the superior quality of the fruit, and the region’s potential to become a key player in the organic produce market. With the Government of India’s Organic Certification, Ziro’s kiwi farmers are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for organic produce. As the local farming community continues to collaborate with the government, Flavour Anna, and other stakeholders, Ziro’s kiwis are poised to become a beloved fruit in homes across India.

The future is bright for Ziro’s kiwi farmers, and as more consumers discover the unique taste of their fruit, Ziro will undoubtedly emerge as a major hub for high-quality organic kiwis, outshining even the famous New Zealand variety.

VK Shashikumar is a seasoned journalist with expertise in field reporting and national security affairs.