Background
The Thipuzumi Kiwi & Allied Food Processing Cluster in Yizalu, Phek district, Nagaland, is a flagship agro-processing initiative launched under the SFURTI scheme. Phek’s high-altitude terrain accounts for about 41 % of Nagaland’s kiwi-growing area. Leveraging this natural advantage, the project unites 566 tribal farmers through the Thipuzumi Kiwi Farming Co-operative to cultivate kiwi as well as persimmon and guava using eco-friendly, traditional methods that safeguard biodiversity and flavor.
To strengthen the value chain, a Common Facility Centre (CFC) was commissioned in May 2023 with Ministry of MSME funding. The CFC houses cold storage, drying, pulping, grading, and packaging units, enabling production of jams, concentrates, juices, jellies, honey, pickles, and more. It can handle 500 kg/hour of raw fruit, output up to 3 t/day of processed goods, and store produce in its 3 000 cft cold room.
Alongside infrastructure, the project prioritizes farmer training in food safety, processing technology, business management, and branding.
With policy support, cold-chain logistics, and collaborations (e.g., with New Zealand), the cluster is strategically positioned to access export markets across South-East Asia and beyond—empowering local tribes, preserving traditional knowledge, and transforming Phek into a global horticulture hub.
Objective & Scheme
Objective: Organize and empower over 566 tribal farmers into a sustainable kiwi-driven processing cluster, enhancing value addition, market linkages, and income growth locally while targeting domestic and South-East Asian exports.
Scheme: SFURTI, under MoMSME, Government of India
Targeted Region & Communities
Phek District, Nagaland – Chakhesang & Pochury Communities
Total Number of Beneficiaries
500 (direct) & 566 (overall farming households involved)
Photo Album
(Insert 2-3 photos of farmer interaction, kiwi cultivation, persimmon & guava cultivation, machinery at the CFC, and final packaged products.)
Expected Project Outcomes
- • Farmer Income Growth: Monthly income projected to rise from ₹5 271 to ₹9 876 per farmer through raw fruit sales, dividends, wages, and processing earnings.
- • Total Payouts: Each farmer expected to earn about ₹1 18 508 annually (≈ ₹9 876 / month).
- • Market Linkages: Partnerships secured with APEDA (exports), NERAMAC (regional aggregation), and BigBasket (domestic retail).
- • Value Addition: Processing fresh kiwi into jams, jellies, juices, concentrates, dehydrated fruits, pickles, honey, etc., boosting shelf life and market appeal.
- • Institutional Strengthening: SPV governance with 33 % farmer representation, regular meetings, and ongoing training and marketing support.
- • Social Impact: Empowers tribal farmers, creates rural jobs, promotes gender equity, preserves traditions, and enhances community resilience.