India–New Zealand Hold First Horticulture JWG, Focus on Kiwifruit Growth

India and New Zealand have convened the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on horticultural cooperation, marking a major step forward under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the two countries on 12 March 2025.

The meeting signals deepening bilateral collaboration in the horticulture sector, with a strong emphasis on kiwifruit and pip fruit (apple and pear) development.

High-Level Participation from Both Sides

The JWG meeting was co-chaired by:

• Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW), Government of India — in person

• Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade, New Zealand — virtually

Senior officials and technical experts from both countries participated, focusing on research, supply chains, farmer capacity-building and market development.

Kiwifruit Identified as Priority Crop for India

Shri Priya Ranjan highlighted kiwifruit as a priority crop for India and outlined key elements of the proposed Kiwifruit Action Plan, including:

• Establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs)

• Improved orchard management and productivity enhancement

• Access to quality rootstock and planting material

• Strengthening post-harvest management and supply chains

The meeting also discussed procedures for importing kiwi rootstock from New Zealand and organizing structured training programmes for Indian farmers and entrepreneurs in New Zealand.

Focus on Research, Training and Quality Standards

Mr. Steve Ainsworth reviewed the current status and challenges of kiwifruit, apple and pear production in India and emphasized collaboration in:

• Joint research initiatives

• Capacity building and grower training

• Strengthening supply chains

• Enhancing quality standards

• Improving market positioning

The objective is to boost farmer incomes, improve productivity and build resilient horticultural value chains.

Roadmap Finalised for Action Plans

The meeting concluded with the finalization of timelines and an implementation roadmap for both countries' Action Plans.

Senior officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement, identifying immediate next steps and scheduling follow-up meetings to maintain momentum in India–New Zealand horticultural cooperation.

Strengthening Agricultural Ties

The first JWG meeting reflects growing agricultural collaboration between India and New Zealand, particularly in high-value horticultural crops.

With kiwifruit, apple and pear development at the forefront, the partnership aims to leverage New Zealand's technical expertise and India's expanding horticultural sector to create long-term gains for growers and consumers in both countries.