NEW DELHI, 22 February 2026: India and New Zealand convened the first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on horticultural cooperation, marking a key milestone under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed on March 12, 2025.
The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), from the Indian side, and Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade, from New Zealand. Senior officials and technical experts from both countries participated to advance collaboration in the horticulture sector, with a particular focus on kiwifruit and pip fruits such as apple and pear.
Focus on Kiwifruit Development
Kiwifruit was identified as a priority crop for India. Discussions centred on key elements of the proposed Kiwifruit Action Plan, including establishment of Centres of Excellence (CoEs), improved orchard management, productivity enhancement, access to quality rootstock and planting material, and strengthening post-harvest management and supply chains.
Both sides deliberated on procedures for importing kiwi rootstock from New Zealand and organising training programmes for Indian farmers and entrepreneurs to enhance technical capacity and adoption of global best practices.
Strengthening Supply Chains and Research
The New Zealand delegation reviewed the current status and challenges in kiwifruit, apple and pear production in India. The two countries agreed to deepen collaboration in research, grower training, quality standards, market positioning and supply chain development to improve productivity and boost farmer incomes.
The meeting concluded with the finalisation of timelines and an implementation roadmap for the Kiwifruit and Pip Fruit Action Plans. Officials from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and scheduled follow-up reviews to maintain momentum in India–New Zealand horticultural cooperation.
