Production of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) in the northeastern India: issues and solutions

Kiwifruit is a potential commercial fruit crop in the northeastern hill region of India due to congenial agro-climatic conditions. Among soft fruits, kiwifruit is arguably the best-known due to its flavour and nutritional value. A ripe fruit has a pleasant aroma, a refreshing, exquisite flavour, and a high nutritional content. Kiwifruit is gaining importance in the foothill tracts of the Himalayas due to its wide adaptability, precocity, high economic returns, marketability, and potential for diversification in sustainable horticulture. Despite the potential for kiwifruit cultivation, several constraints must be addressed for successful cultivation. The aspects to be carefully observed are flowering, pollination, pollenisers, training and pruning. The lack of genetically superior planting material, the high cost of establishment of kiwifruit orchards, and the lack of standardised techniques for pruning-cum-training and other operations. In addition, all the cultivars of kiwifruit except Hayward bear heavily. Therefore, regulation is necessary to produce a high-quality and well-sized crop. Commercial cultivation of kiwifruit has great potential in the hilly areas of the country. Strategies and approaches include identification of suitable agro-climatic conditions, selection of cultivars, placement of pollenisers and pollinators, quality planting materials, training and pruning, and integrated management of water and nutrients for sustainable production to enhance the yield and quality of fruits, as well as the livelihood and economics of the farmers.