Chandigarh-based IG Fresh Produce Pvt Ltd Fresh Produce Private Limited has envisaged investment of more than Rs 100 crores in 5 years in cultivation, R&D and post-harvest activities of Kiwi in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Arunachal Pradesh Agricultural Marketing Board (APAMB) has entered into an agreement with the IG Fresh Produce Private Limited, Chandigarh, and the farmers of Namshu village in West Kameng district, to start a state-of-the art cultivation of exotic fruits.

The people of Namshu village have identified 40-hectare land for cultivation of exotic fruits like Kiwi and Stone fruit.

With this, the agriculture sector in the state is likely to receive the much-needed investment for its growth.

The project will also generate gainful employment (technical & non-technical) for 500 youths over a period of 5 years in the Kameng sector and from the rest of the state. This will not only boost the production of kiwi in the state but also increase the sale and export of kiwi and other fruits from the region.

Speaking at the event, agriculture minister Tage Taki thanked IG Fresh Produce Pvt Ltd. and farmers of Namshu village for coming together to boost the farming of kiwi in the state.

He also congratulated APAMB & Invest India team for actively working to achieve this feat and said initiatives like this can make the import of kiwi zero in the country.

This is for the first time in the NE region that such a big investment is happening in the agriculture sector and Arunachal Pradesh has become a forerunner with the guidance and support of chief minister Pema Khandu and team Arunachal, he said.

The minister also assured that the state government will provide all the necessary help to IG Fresh Produce & Farmers.

Dirang MLA and advisor to PWD minister Phurpa Tsering stated that this kind of path-breaking initiative of the Board is commendable.

He said that the Board has moved from traditional departmental activities and working like a corporate office which is the need of the hour for the betterment of farmers, stakeholders and for the state as a whole.

IG Fresh Produce Private Limited president Gautam Kumar Jha explained the functioning of his company in the import and distribution of fruits throughout the country.

Planning adviser and Health adviser (in-charge) NEC, Shillong, Calvin Harris Kharshiing assured all help from NEC to make this enterprise successful.

Invest India NE Desk head, Dr Geetima Das Krishna said that the government of India is committed and focused on the growth and development of NE India and this initiative has the potential to contribute significantly towards the growth of Arunachal Pradesh.

Private investment is the only possibility for the agriculture and horticulture sector to take a new leap, APAMB CEO Okit Palling said.

He said the government sector is basically for technology transfer through R&D and Agri- Horti extension services and support from state government and centre are basically welfare in nature and not commercial, hence, investment in the sector is the pathway for the sector to grow and flourish.

He said that an advisory committee at Dirang, West Kameng under the chairperson of the deputy commissioner, officials from Agriculture and Horticulture departments, and farmers from the concerned village will be proposed to the state government for smooth implementation of such investment.

Palling also highlighted the numerous site visits undertaken by the Board officials during the difficult monsoon season for handling such a big investment in Arunachal Pradesh.

He expressed his gratitude to the team Invest India NE Desk for coordinating the entire process of the agreement.

It may be mentioned that the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board is the premier agency of the state government that is exclusively responsible for the marketing of agriculture and allied sectors products. The IG Fresh Produce Private Limited is one of the top fresh fruit importers in the country and a major supply chain player in the county. It has developed an efficient supply chain of providing high-quality fresh fruits like apples, kiwis, citrus, pears, blueberries, avocados, stone fruit, grapes etc. to 27 cities across India.