Want an honest view on whether kiwi is profitable in India and where the fruit is sold.
5 Answers
Kiwi can be profitable in suitable hill areas because much of India's kiwi is still imported, leaving room for domestic fruit, and it stores and transports better than soft berries, which lowers spoilage risk. But it is a long-term investment, with several years and a costly trellis before returns build, so it is not quick money. Income depends on yield, grading and the price, which is good for quality fruit but can vary, and on reaching the right markets, urban retail, supermarkets, online grocery and specialty traders, rather than only the local mandi. Arunachal, Sikkim, Himachal and Uttarakhand are the main producing areas. It suits growers with the right cool climate and patience. Verify realistic yields, costs and current prices and buyer options for your district with your KVK and established growers before scaling up.
It pays off but only over years, the trellis and the wait are real costs. I get much better rates selling graded fruit to city retailers than at the local market.
Storing and selling over a few weeks helps me avoid a glut. Kiwi keeps far better than berries, so I am not forced to sell everything at once.
Grade strictly. The top-grade fruit gets a much better rate than mixed lots, so sorting pays for itself.
Kiwi stores well, so I sell over a few weeks instead of all at once. That avoids the worst of a price dip.