ITANAGAR, OCT 26:

Arunachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector took a step towards international markets on Monday with Horticulture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu flagging off a trial shipment of kiwi from Ziro to Dubai.

Describing the initiative as a proud moment for the state, Wangsu said it aimed to connect produce from Arunachal’s highland orchards with international buyers and create better income opportunities for farmers.

He said the state’s favourable climate, soil and natural conditions offered considerable potential for horticultural production. However, realising this potential would require greater focus on post-harvest management, grading, quality packaging, storage, transportation, processing and reliable market linkages.

Wangsu stressed that sustained exports would depend on maintaining product quality and ensuring consistency in supplies. He said the trial shipment would help assess market response, understand buyer expectations and prepare for regular commercial exports.

“An export shipment can open a door, but only the quality of our products and consistency can keep that door open,” he said, emphasising the need to build buyer confidence and secure fair and sustainable returns for farmers.

He expressed hope that the consignment would pave the way for sustained international market access for Arunachal kiwi rather than remain a one-time achievement.

MLA-cum-Advisor to the Ministry of Trade and Commerce Mohesh Chai, MLA Hage Appa, secretaries and directors of the Horticulture and Trade and Commerce departments, senior government officers, representatives of ICAR-RCNEH and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), and local kiwi growers attended the flag-off programme.