Want a realistic idea of when kiwi starts bearing, the yield, and the income range before setting up a vineyard.
2 Answers
Kiwi is a long-term vine crop. It usually starts bearing around year 3 to 4 after planting and reaches full production by year 6 to 8, then can crop for many years. Yields rise as the vines mature and depend heavily on variety, pollination (enough healthy male vines and bees), pruning, trellis and management, so per-vine and per-acre figures vary widely and no single number is reliable. Arunachal is one of India's notable kiwi areas, and good prices are possible, but income depends on the rate you get and on grading and post-harvest handling, since kiwi stores and ships reasonably well if managed properly. Plan for several years of investment in the trellis and vines before returns build. Get realistic yield and current price ranges for your district from your KVK and from established growers nearby.
Our vines took about four years for a proper crop. The trellis was a big early cost. Once mature they keep producing well, so it pays off over time.