DIMAPUR: Zapami village in Phek district celebrated the 1st Kiwi Fruit Fair 2026 on October 16, recording a production of 25,530 kg valued at more than Rs. 28 lakh. The fair, organised in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, was held under the theme “Promoting Farmers, Growing Together for a Brighter Future.”
Gracing the occasion as special guest, director of Horticulture, Avieno Hibo, congratulated the villagers for their initiative and perseverance in developing kiwi cultivation into a promising agricultural enterprise. She said the fair was not merely a celebration of fruit but also a recognition of farmers’ hard work, innovation, rich agricultural heritage and the village’s growing potential as a destination for horticulture, sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity.
Hibo observed that large scale kiwi cultivation offered significant opportunities to improve farmers’ livelihoods, promote healthy eating, diversify agriculture and strengthen the local economy. Emphasising the importance of quality produce, she urged farmers to ensure that their products reached markets at the right time, in proper condition and at remunerative prices. She stressed equal attention to harvesting, grading, packaging, storage, transportation, processing, branding and market linkages.
Calling for stronger collaboration among growers, government departments, village councils, farmer organisations, financial institutions and entrepreneurs, she assured that the Department of Horticulture would continue to provide technical guidance, improved production practices and facilitate linkages with institutions and markets. Encouraging educated youth to explore opportunities in the sector, she urged them to establish enterprises in collection, grading, transportation, packaging and digital marketing to connect farmers directly with consumers.
Convener of the organising committee, Mewe Khutso, informed that the village has 15,140 kiwi plants spread across 88.97 acres, with production rising from 19,200 kg in 2025 to 25,530 kg in 2026. Commercial kiwi cultivation in Zapami began in 2010 when Pfukrunyi Khutso and Ngupenyi Kenye pioneered farms with 150 and 120 plants respectively, laying the foundation for commercial farming. Adoption of improved varieties and scientific practices has since enhanced productivity and fruit quality.
The fair also highlighted the “One Family, One Project” community horticulture initiative launched by the Zapami Village Council and Village Development Board in 2022. Farmers were recognised for their contributions: Welewu Kenye received the award for highest production with 8,000 kg; Zuwekha Kenye was honoured for the highest number of plantations with 1,020 vines; and Bepe Kenye received the Best Emerging Farmer Award for establishing a promising plantation since 2024 with over 500 vines.
Village authorities informed that the entire production for the year was sold to an outside firm.
The programme was chaired by Kelhouzakie Chielie, District Horticulture Officer, Phek. Kedoutsolhi Wetsah, former secretary of the Zapami Village Development Board, delivered the welcome address, while Mikha Kenye, chairman of Pfutsero Town Council, shared a short speech. The Zapami Cultural Troupe presented a special song, and Wetsho Wetsah, pastor of Zapami Baptist Church, pronounced the benediction.
Earlier, director Hibo inaugurated the fair, which was chaired by Wete u Wetsah, while a dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Dingu Kenye.
