Tomar informed that in a bid to reduce the country's dependence on imports and to stay in line with the call of ''Vocal for Local", his ministry is trying its best to provide handholding support to Kiwi farmers across the country.
Currently, India imports 4,000 tonnes of Kiwis from New Zealand, Italy, and Chile, while domestic production is about 13,000 tonnes.
Addressing a virtual meeting organized by the Nagaland government, the Union agriculture minister said, "A new chapter is being introduced in the agricultural history of Nagaland which will be highly beneficial to the Kiwi farmers of the state. This program of Kiwi production enhancement will prove to be a milestone in the years to come."
This is being done as the Centre understands problems faced by farmers in the northeastern region in getting good planting material, productivity issues, lack of packaging facilities, and marketing networks for farmers, he added.
Tomar further said the Centre is also ensuring that farmers are connected to the market so that they can get a fair price for their produce.
The research institute in
Nagaland has also conducted training and exposure visits of farmers from the Phek district of Nagaland for helping them understand how to reap good returns through the Kiwi production, he said.
To boost kiwi production, the minister said the Himalayan climate is suitable for kiwi production and there is a need to introduce high-yielding varieties.
With extensive research and development support, the commercial cultivation of
kiwi fruit has been extended from the sub-Himalayan regions of India to the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Nilgiri Hills.
Currently, India is producing 13,000 tonnes of kiwi in an area of about 4,000 hectares in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh, he added.
Tomar also observed that the entire northeastern region is lagging behind due to difficult terrain and all ministries, including the agriculture ministry, are working towards ensuring a progressive North East.
He also said that the Centre is taking up every possible measure to remove the lag the region has been facing and said that it can only be done through a comprehensive vision along with stable policy planning and balanced growth across the region as envisioned by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
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