Growers in Kashmir are getting into kiwifruit in a diversification
move away from the traditional apple crops of the region.
Kiwis were introduced to the region in the 1950s, but only recently has interest in exotic crops created a viable demand for it.
Currently only green kiwifruits are in production, but there are plans to introduce golden varieties also.
A farmer in South Kashmir area of Pulwama district, Mahmood Khan, who had taken up cultivation of exotic fruits more than a decade back, said, "We started growing kiwi on experimental basis some 9 years ago. There were hardly any buyers for it then. But our patience has paid off, as now, the demand for it has risen in fruit markets of India, Pakistan, Gulf, and other middle-east countries. It fetches good returns in local market also and tourists also like to buy these." (Writer-South Asia)
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Agro-climatic requirements
Deep, rich, well-drained sandy loam
soils are ideal for cultivation of kiwi. A soil pH slightly less than 6.9
results in maximum yield but higher pH upto 7.3 adversely affects the yield due
to Mn deficiency.
Kiwis were introduced to the region in the 1950s, but only recently has interest in exotic crops created a viable demand for it.
Currently only green kiwifruits are in production, but there are plans to introduce golden varieties also.
A farmer in South Kashmir area of Pulwama district, Mahmood Khan, who had taken up cultivation of exotic fruits more than a decade back, said, "We started growing kiwi on experimental basis some 9 years ago. There were hardly any buyers for it then. But our patience has paid off, as now, the demand for it has risen in fruit markets of India, Pakistan, Gulf, and other middle-east countries. It fetches good returns in local market also and tourists also like to buy these." (Writer-South Asia)
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Kiwi or Chinese gooseberry (Actinidia deliciosa) is grown widely in
New Zealand, Italy, USA, China, Japan, Australia, France, Kashmir, Chile and Spain.
In India
Kiwi is mostly grown in the mid
hills of Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya,
Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka,and Kerala. Having
been very newly introduced in the country estimates of area and production have
not yet become available.
Agro-climatic requirements
Kiwi can be grown in areas
experiencing 700-800 chilling hours (no. of hours during which temperature
remains at or below 70 C during the winter season). The plant can be
grown at 800-1500 m. above m.s.l. A rainfall of about 150 cm. /year is
sufficient. The rainfall should be well distributed during the growing period.
The plant does not withstand strong winds and frost during the growing period
because of its vigorous vegetative growth, large leaves and viny habit. In
summer, high temperature (> 350 C) and low humidity may cause
scorching of leaves. Sun scald and heat stress are the main problems in its
cultivation in lower areas.
Growing and Potential Belts
The crop can come up very well in
certain locations of Himachal Pradesh, North-East states, and parts of Kerala. These two states have the potential for
commercial cultivation of the crop.
Varieties Cultivated
Important kiwi varieties cultivated in India
are Abbott, Allison, Bruno, Hayward, Monty and Tomuri.
Availability of Kiwi Planting Material :
More details:-
“Azizabad, Nambalbal, (Via Wuyan-Meej Road), Pampore
PPR J&K 192121
Mailing address: PO Box 667 Srinagar SGR J&K-
190001
Ph: 01933-223705
Call us: 09858986794
e.mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
