🤝 India-New Zealand Horticulture Partnership
India and New Zealand successfully convened the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on horticultural cooperation. This marks a significant milestone under the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the two nations on 12 March 2025.
1st
JWG Meeting
12 Mar '25
MoC Signed
Kiwifruit
Priority Crop
🥝 Strategic Focus: Kiwifruit & Pip Fruit
The meeting brought together senior officials and technical experts to advance collaboration, heavily focusing on kiwifruit and pip fruit (apple and pear) development.
🏗️ Centres of Excellence
Establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs) to improve orchard management, enhance productivity, and strengthen post-harvest supply chains.
🌱 Quality Rootstock
Deliberations were held on the procedures for importing high-quality kiwi rootstock from New Zealand into India.
🧑🌾 Capacity Building
Organizing targeted training programs for Indian farmers and entrepreneurs in New Zealand to learn best practices and market positioning.
🏛️ Leadership & Future Roadmap
The JWG meeting was co-chaired by key representatives from both agricultural departments:
- 🇮🇳 Indian Side: Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), DA&FW (In-person).
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand Side: Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade (Virtual).
- 🎯 Final Outcome: The meeting concluded with the finalization of timelines and an implementation roadmap for both Action Plans, ensuring sustained momentum.
📚 Prelims Quiz Corner
1. The first Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on horticulture was held between India and which country?
Answer: C
2. Which specific fruits were identified as a priority focus under the Action Plan discussed in the meeting?
Answer: B
Source Information: PIB Release ID: 2230260 (Feb 19, 2026)
Link to Original Press Release
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
