India and New Zealand have taken a significant step towards strengthening agricultural ties by convening the first meeting of their Joint Working Group (JWG) on horticulture cooperation. The meeting, held on February 19, 2026, marks the operational rollout of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the two countries on March 12, 2025.
High-Level Participation from Both Sides
The JWG meeting was co-chaired by Shri Priya Ranjan, Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), representing India in person. New Zealand was represented virtually by Mr. Steve Ainsworth, Divisional Manager, Bilateral Relations and Trade.
Senior officials and technical experts from both countries participated in the deliberations, reflecting the seriousness attached to strengthening horticultural collaboration under the bilateral framework.
Kiwifruit Identified as Priority Crop
During the meeting, kiwifruit was identified as a priority crop for India. Shri Priya Ranjan highlighted the importance of structured interventions under the proposed Kiwifruit Action Plan.
The Action Plan focuses on establishing Centres of Excellence (CoEs), improving orchard management practices, enhancing productivity, ensuring access to high-quality rootstock and planting material, and strengthening post-harvest management and supply chains.
Discussions also covered streamlined procedures for importing kiwi rootstock from New Zealand, a global leader in kiwifruit production. The two sides explored organising specialised training programmes for Indian farmers and entrepreneurs in New Zealand to boost technical knowledge and best practices.
Apple and Pear Development in Focus
Beyond kiwifruit, the meeting also reviewed the status and challenges in apple and pear cultivation in India. Mr. Steve Ainsworth underlined the need for collaborative research, grower training, and capacity building to address productivity gaps.
Both sides agreed to work towards improving supply chains, raising quality standards, and enhancing market positioning for Indian produce. Strengthening value chains is expected to directly benefit farmers by increasing incomes and ensuring better price realisation.
Research, Capacity Building and Supply Chains
Officials from both countries stressed that research collaboration would be central to the partnership. Knowledge-sharing initiatives between research institutions, agricultural universities, and industry stakeholders are likely to form the backbone of the cooperation framework.
Capacity building, particularly in modern orchard management techniques and post-harvest handling, emerged as a priority area. The two countries also discussed ways to adopt international best practices to improve yield, quality, and export competitiveness.
According to the Press Information Bureau (https://pib.gov.in), the meeting concluded with the finalisation of timelines and an implementation roadmap for the agreed Action Plans. More details on India’s horticulture initiatives can be accessed through the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare portal at https://agricoop.nic.in.
Implementation Roadmap and Future Engagements
The Joint Working Group finalised immediate next steps and proposed a schedule for follow-up meetings and periodic reviews. This structured approach aims to ensure sustained momentum and measurable outcomes under the Memorandum of Cooperation.
In their closing remarks, senior officials reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening India–New Zealand horticultural ties. They expressed confidence that coordinated efforts in research, technology transfer, and farmer training would enhance productivity and sustainability in both countries.
Strategic Significance for Indian Farmers
India’s horticulture sector has been one of the fastest-growing segments within agriculture, contributing significantly to farmer incomes and nutritional security. Collaboration with a country like New Zealand, known for its advanced horticultural systems, is expected to accelerate innovation and quality enhancement.
The focus on kiwifruit, apple, and pear production aligns with India’s broader strategy of diversifying crops, improving post-harvest infrastructure, and tapping into export markets. If effectively implemented, the partnership could pave the way for technology-driven transformation in India’s fruit cultivation landscape.
