Kiwi, once regarded as an exotic fruit, is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian farmers, particularly in the hilly and temperate regions of the country. With its high nutritional value, juicy taste, and growing market demand, kiwi farming is emerging as a profitable alternative to traditional crops. For small and marginal farmers facing challenges from climate change, erratic rainfall, and declining returns from staples like maize, wheat, apples, and plums, kiwi offers a promising path forward. When grown using scientific methods and with proper guidance, kiwi orchards can become a sustainable and rewarding source of income.
Regional Adaptability
Kiwi grows best in subtropical and temperate conditions. Suitable places are areas between 800 to 1500 meters above sea level, with a mean temperature of 15°C. Kiwi requires cool summers and cold winters, but must be shielded from frost during blooming. In regions like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, or parts of Darjeeling, kiwi can prove to be an ideal crop for you.
Choosing the Right Soil for Best Yield
Kiwi prefers deep, well-drained loamy soil. The soil must never be as sticky as clay or as sandy as desert. It should be capable of holding water but also draining. The ideal pH level is between 5.0 and 6.1. Farmers should have their soil tested before planting to achieve this. If the soil is acidic or too alkaline, apply lime or organic compost to neutralize it.
Planting and Spacing
Kiwi is a vine, not a normal tree. It requires space and support to grow. Plant the vines 5–6 meters apart from one another, and rows 4 meters apart. This ensures sunlight reaches to each plant and allows air to pass through well. Provide strong supports such as trellises or wires for the vines to grow on. Otherwise, plants will grow poorly and produce fewer fruits.
Regular Irrigation
Water is crucial, particularly during the initial growth period. Kiwi vines require water every 2–3 days, but avoid overwatering. Drip irrigation is optimal in hilly areas as it conserves water and avoids waterborne diseases. Water more when it is dry and less in rainy weather or winter. Water must not collect around roots, which result in rotting.
Fertilizer Management
A healthy vine yields healthy fruits. Every kiwi plant needs 40 kg of cow dung compost, 850 grams of nitrogen, 500 grams of phosphorus, and 800–850 grams of potash after 5 years. Divide these into 2–3 doses throughout the year. Organic manure such as vermicompost or green manure can be used to enhance soil texture. Fertilizers should be applied at the base and watered immediately after for maximum absorption.
Harvesting and Yield
Kiwi fruits are usually ready for harvest 3–4 years after planting and full commercial production starts in the 5th year. One mature vine produces 25 to 30 kg of fruit annually. In October–November, fruits turn mature but remain firm when picked. Kiwi fruits, after harvesting, can be stored for weeks in cold conditions and gradually ripened.
Market and Income Potential
Kiwi is a premium fruit in India, mostly sold in cities and supermarkets. Presently, India imports a large proportion of its kiwi from countries such as New Zealand, Chile, and Iran. This provides domestic farmers with a huge opportunity to meet domestic demand.
The market price averages Rs. 200 to Rs. 400 per kg, depending on quality and season. A well-maintained one-acre kiwi orchard containing 150–200 vines would fetch Rs. 4 to Rs. 6 lakh annually. The profits can escalate further if farmers directly sell the produce to hotels, juice manufacturers, or consumers. Kiwi is also consumed in jams, salads, juices, and beauty products, further enhancing the value of the fruit.
Some state governments give subsidies for saplings, training, and trellis installation under horticulture missions. Farmers should approach their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) or horticulture departments to get any kind of support.
Although kiwi farming is not a crop that yields results quickly, it may be a long-term source of revenue with a little perseverance and care. With few other options, kiwi provides a profitable and sustainable way forward for farmers in the hills. Now is the ideal moment to investigate kiwi production due to rising demand and favorable circumstances. It is a golden harvest that can result from a greener orchard.
