Exotic Fruit

Kiwi Farming in India 2026

High-income hill vine fruit with strong domestic demand

Overview

Kiwi is a fast-trending high-value exotic fruit for Indian hill farmers, with strong domestic demand and prices that make it a rewarding alternative to traditional crops. This vigorous climbing vine thrives in mid-hill regions and is grown most successfully in Arunachal Pradesh, which produces a large share of national output, along with Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir. Kiwi farming in India appeals to growers because vines are long-lived, demand from health-conscious urban buyers is rising, and much fruit is still imported, leaving room for local supply. Grown on sturdy trellises at suitable altitude, kiwi needs male and female vines together for pollination and rewards good orchard management with high per acre returns. Because it needs winter chilling and cool hill conditions, it is not suited to hot plains. With grafted plants, proper trellis, irrigation and pollination, kiwi offers hill farmers a profitable, climate-suited horticulture option.

Climate

Kiwi needs a cool, temperate hill climate, generally at elevations of about 800 to 1,500 metres, with adequate winter chilling and protection from late frost and strong winds. It does well where summers are mild and winters cool. It is not suited to hot tropical plains.

Soil

Prefers deep, fertile, well-drained sandy loam rich in organic matter with pH around 5 to 6.5. Good drainage is important because the roots are sensitive to waterlogging. Sloping hill land with proper terracing suits it well.

Planting & Spacing

Plant grafted or rooted vines in the dormant winter season, around December to February. Erect a strong T-bar or pergola trellis. Spacing is commonly about 4 by 5 metres or wider, giving roughly 150 to 250 vines per acre. Crucially, plant one male vine for every six to eight female vines to ensure pollination and fruit set.

Varieties

The green Hayward variety is the most widely grown and accepted for its high yield and market acceptance. Other types such as Allison, Bruno, Abbott and Monty are also grown, along with male pollinizer varieties like Tomuri and Matua. Choose female varieties matched to your altitude with a compatible pollinizer.

Care & Management

Provide regular irrigation, especially in dry spells, through drip while avoiding waterlogging. Apply organic manure and balanced fertiliser with adequate nitrogen and potassium. Train vines carefully on the trellis and prune in winter to manage fruiting wood. Support natural and managed pollination, and protect from frost and wind for steady yields.

Pests & Diseases

Kiwi has relatively low pest pressure but watch for root rot from waterlogging, crown and collar rot, leaf spots, scale, mealybugs and occasional fruit damage. Good drainage, clean orchard practices, pruning and timely management keep losses low.

Yield & Harvest

Grafted vines usually start fruiting in about three to four years and reach good yields from around the fifth to seventh year. Mature orchards can yield broadly in the range of about 8 to 14 tonnes per acre depending on variety, age and care. Fruit is harvested firm in autumn and ripened after picking.

Cost & Profit

Establishment with trellis, vines and early care is often around 3 to 4 lakh rupees per acre, with moderate yearly upkeep. From the fifth to seventh year, gross income can range widely, often around 6 to 15 lakh rupees per acre or more depending on yield and price, with payback usually over four to six years. These are broad indicative ranges; verify current local costs, prices and yields before investing.

These are indicative ranges. Actual cost and income vary by region, market and management, so verify locally.

Market & Demand

Demand is strong and growing in cities, with kiwi popular for health and immunity. Sell through local mandis, fruit traders, FPOs building interstate linkages, organised retail and online grocery. India imports a large quantity of kiwi, so domestic fruit has good substitution scope, and premium grades can target high-value urban buyers.

Subsidy & Support

Kiwi is supported as a horticulture crop under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and National Horticulture Board, with hill and North Eastern states often receiving higher central assistance for planting, trellis and inputs. State horticulture missions also promote kiwi in suitable districts. Confirm current schemes and rates with your state horticulture department.

Where to grow it in India

Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand

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Frequently asked questions

Which state grows the most kiwi in India?

Arunachal Pradesh produces the largest share of India's kiwi, followed by states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir. Kiwi needs cool hill conditions and is not suited to hot plains.

Do you need male and female kiwi plants?

Yes, kiwi needs both male and female vines because only female vines bear fruit and they require male vines for pollination. A common ratio is one male for every six to eight female vines.

How long does kiwi take to give fruit?

Grafted kiwi vines usually start fruiting in about three to four years and reach good commercial yields from the fifth to seventh year. Seed-grown plants take much longer, so grafted or rooted plants are preferred.

Which kiwi variety is best in India?

The green Hayward variety is the most widely grown and accepted for high yield and good market demand. Allison, Bruno, Abbott and Monty are also used, paired with male pollinizers like Tomuri and Matua.

Is kiwi farming profitable in India?

Yes, kiwi can be profitable for hill farmers, with mature gross income often around 6 to 15 lakh rupees per acre depending on yield and price. It needs the right altitude, trellis, pollination and care, so verify local conditions and figures before investing.

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