Kiwi farming transforms rural livelihoods in Zapami village

Phek, October 16 (MExN): Kiwi cultivation has emerged as one of the most promising horticultural activities in Zapami village of Phek district, creating new opportunities for income generation, employment and sustainable rural development.Under the banner of the Zapami Village Council and Village Development Board, the village launched “One Family One Project” in 2022 as a community horticulture initiative to encourage every household to take up horticulture by planting kiwi and persimmon. The initiative has two principal objectives -- to create a future source of income for individual households and to strengthen the village council's own source revenue through productive community assets.Kiwi plantation now covers 88.97 acres with a total of 15,140 plants in the village.Zapami recorded a total kiwi production of 19,200 kg in 2025, and 25,539 kg till October 16 this year.With continued guidance and support from the Department of Horticulture and ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Phek, kiwi farmers of Zapami have made significant progress, strengthening the farming community and fostering sustainable rural livelihoods.The village aims to move towards becoming a recognised centre of quality kiwi production in Nagaland, according to the Village Council.Zapami village in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Government of Nagaland, on October 16 hosted the 1st edition of Zapami village Kiwi Fruit Fair 2026 at Zapami in Phek district, with special emphasis on “Promoting farmers, growing together for a brighter future.”