Boosting the Economy through Kiwi Cultivation

The backward area of Sirmaur district is renowned for its cash crop production. Farmers here are enhancing their economic status by cultivating tomatoes, shimla peppers, beans, peas, ginger, garlic, and various fruits, especially peaches, pears, apples, and kiwis.

Vijendra Singh Thakur, a progressive farmer from Thaledi village in Sub Tehsil Narag of Sirmaur district, began planting 100 Alison and Hebert kiwi plants in 1990. Four years later, he added 50 more plants, bringing the total to 150 kiwi plants in his garden. In September, his garden produced about 50 quintals of kiwis, earning him 10 lakh rupees. He also received a grant of Rs 1.6 lakh under the Chief Minister Kiwi Incentive Scheme for planting 100 kiwi plants. His joint family, consisting of six members, is involved in agriculture and horticulture, employing two additional workers. They also cultivate tomatoes, shimla peppers, peas, and garlic.

Narendra Pawar, another progressive gardener from the same village, bought 150 kiwi plants in 1993 from Dr. YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University, Noni. He received guidance on kiwi cultivation from the university. Kiwi thrives in areas 4,000 to 6,000 feet high, with main species including Alison, Bruno, Monty, Abbott, and Hayward. Pawar now has 300 kiwi plants in his garden, producing nearly 90 quintals of kiwis this year, earning over 15 lakh rupees. He encourages unemployed youth to consider kiwi cultivation to strengthen their economy instead of seeking government jobs.

Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Garden Development Officer of Pachhad District, Sirmaur, highlights Pachhad’s ideal climate for kiwi production. The state government runs the Chief Minister Kiwi Incentive Scheme, which unemployed youth should utilize. Kiwi plants cover about 16 hectares in the Pachhad area, producing 133 metric tonnes of kiwi. Kiwi fruit contains medicinal properties that help increase the body’s anemia and platelets.