1st Zapami Kiwi Fruit Fair 2026 fetches positive response

Our CorrespondentKohima | October 16Zapami village in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Govt of Nagaland, today 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.”Gracing the Fair as the special guest, Ayieno Hibo, Director of Horticulture, Govt of Nagaland congratulated the people of Zapami for the initiative and perseverance that have brought Kiwi cultivation to its present scale.She maintained that the celebration of 1st edition Zapami Village Kiwi Fruit Fair is not merely a celebration of fruit but a celebration of the hard work and innovation of farmers, rich agricultural heritage and of Zapami’s growing potential as a destination for horticulture, sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity.“Growing Kiwi on a large scale is definitely a promising opportunity, not only for improving farmer’s livelihoods and income but also for promoting healthy eating, diversifying agriculture and strengthening the local economy through sustainable horticulture development,” she said.Ayieno Hibo and others during 1st edition of Zapami village Kiwi Fruit Fair 2026 on October 16. (Morung Photo) She said that horticulture can play a significant role in shaping the future of agriculture in the state.Talking on quality produce, she said that one must ensure that quality produce reaches the market at the right time, in the right condition and at a remunerative price.Hibo also stressed on the need to pay equal attention to proper harvesting, grading, packaging, storage, transportation, processing, branding and market linkages.Also stressing on the need work together among the growers, government departments, village councils, farmer organization financial institutions, entrepreneurs, she said that the department of horticulture stands committed to working with farmers and communities towards a more productive and sustainable horticulture sector with the framework of available programmes and resources.In this, she assured to support the farmers with technical guidance, proper interventions, improved production practices and the facilitation of linkages with relevant institutions and markets.Ayieno Hibo and others during 1st edition of Zapami village Kiwi Fruit Fair 2026 on October 16. (Morung Photo) The Director encouraged the educated youth to create an enterprise for collection of produces, grading, transportation, developing attractive packaging and explore digital marking and offer services that connect farmers with consumers and buyers.Eying for strengthening kiwi cultivationOrganizing Committee convenor Mewe Khutso said that Kiwi cultivation in Zapami village has a remarkable history of determination, vision and gradual development.From its humble beginning of the commercial kiwi production in 2010 by two pioneering farmers -Pfukrunyi Khutso and Ngupenyi Kenye, Kiwi cultivation has emerged as a promising horticulture activity in Zapami village. “Looking ahead, our vision is to strengthen kiwi cultivation through improved plantation management, modern farming techniques, better infrastructure, value addition and effective mechanism,” he said.May this 1st edition of Zapami Village Kiwi Fruit fair 2026 become a stepping stone towards greater achievements and sustainable prosperity for our farming community, he added.The Fair also recognised farmers for their achievements and contributions to kiwi cultivation. Welewu Kenye received the award for highest production, with an output of 8,000 kg. Zuwekha Kenye was recognised for the highest number of plantations, with 1020 vines and Bepe Kenye as the Best Emerging Farmer for establishing a promising kiwi plantation since 2024 with more than 500 vines.Mikha Kenye, chairman Pfutsero Town Council also spoke on the occasion. The programme was led by Kelhouzakie Chielie, District Horticulture Officer, Phek while welcome address was delivered by Kedoutsolhi Wetsah.Earlier, the inauguration of the exhibition stall was led by Wete-u Wetsah while Rev. Dr. Dingu Kenye pronounced dedicatory prayer. Wetsho Wetsah, pastor Zapami Baptist Church pronounced benediction.