Officials from New Zealand and the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland during the meeting held in Kohima on December 15. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 15
A co-operation meeting between New Zealand and Nagaland on Kiwi fruit took place at Hotel Vivor, Kohima on December 15.
Michael Fox, Head of Global Public Affairs Zespri expressed interest to take the partnership forward for enhancing Kiwi fruit cultivation.
Other officials of New Zealand team includes; Himanshu Arora, Head of Apac South Zespri, Rachel Lynch, Manager, Government & Regulatory Affairs Zespri, Stephanie Montgomeryq, International Programme Manager, Bioeconomy Science Institute, Melanie Phillips, Regional Agriculture Counsellor, New Zealand High Commission and Kethoseno Peseyie, Policy Adviser (Agriculture., Trade & Economic).
The meeting emphasised that Nagaland holds exceptional potential for expanding sustainable kiwi fruit cultivation.
Strategic partnership with New Zealand can substantially enhance production efficiency, quality standards, value addition, market access- paving the way for a robust, competitive and farmer- centric centre kiwi fruit sector, said S. Senka, Joint Director, Directorate of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland.
Senka suggested strategic roadmap in the form of formulation of a joint roadmap for kiwifruit development, creation of a pilot Kiwi fruit excellence centre, farmer exposure visits to best-practice orchards in New Zealand and regular review mechanisms to monitor and enhance collaboration.
Akumla Chuba, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland (Horticulture Department) said that the visit of New Zealand team was a beginning of the relationship and hoped that it will benefit both the parties.
Razouvolie Dozo, Additional Secretary to the Government of Nagaland (Horticulture department) said that Nagaland has a strong desire to become a leading kiwi state in India. He said that Nagaland has taken up Kiwi fruit cultivation in serious way, which was introduced in 2001.
The department has submitted a concept note for establishment of Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kiwi fruit in Nagaland.
The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Ayieno Hibo, Director, Department of Horticulture, Nagaland.
Meanwhile, the team will be visiting Horticulture Research Farm, Pfutsero in Phek district on December 16.
