Nauni university discovers new cold-resistant species of Kiwi for higher altitudes

In a major breakthrough for high-altitude farming, researchers at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni have identified a wild kiwi species that can thrive in extremely cold conditions, making it a game-changer for farmers in mountainous regions. This discovery could pave the way for expanding kiwi farming in areas up to 2,800 meters above sea level—far beyond the current cultivation range of 800 to 1,500 meters.

The discovery was spearheaded by PhD researcher Abhilash Pradhan under the mentorship of Dr. Dinesh Singh Thakur, Co-Director of the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Center in Mashobra. The rare kiwi species, scientifically named Actinidia callosa var strigilosa, was found in the Lachen region of Sikkim. Its identification was confirmed by Dr. Kumar Ambrish, a scientist at the High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Center of the Botanical Survey of India, Nauni.

This wild kiwi species is on the brink of extinction, and the research team is already working on preserving its germplasm for further study. If their efforts bear fruit, this could lead to the development of cold-resistant kiwi varieties, unlocking tremendous opportunities for farmers in the northeastern and other high-altitude regions of India. Similar to the apple farming revolution in Himachal Pradesh, kiwi could become a valuable crop in these regions.

Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, Research Director at Nauni University, highlighted the significance of this finding. He explained that the ability to cultivate kiwi at higher altitudes could boost the horticulture industry in cold climates, potentially transforming the livelihoods of farmers by offering them a new, lucrative crop option.

This discovery represents a beacon of hope for those living in mountainous regions, where traditional farming options are limited. By expanding kiwi farming to higher altitudes, Nauni University’s research team is opening doors to both economic growth and agricultural innovation.