FIG Approach made organic kiwi fruit venture lucrative among the tribal farmers in Manipur

Abstract

Complex, risky, low-input subsistence farming in the North-eastern hill (NEH) region is characterized by low productivity and profitability. Tribal farmer's social cohesion and aversion to chemical inputs also indicates the prospects of cluster-based organic production of high-value crops. Kiwifruit, an emerging crop in Manipur, is appropriate for organic agriculture. The Purul sub-division of Senapati district in Manipur is bestowed with all sorts of pre-requisites for successful cultivation of kiwifruit. Given this context, ICAR Research Complex for NEH region
formed a successful Farmer’s Interest Group (FIG) in Purul (Manipur) under Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) to promote organic kiwifruit. The initiative formed a Farmer’s Interest Group, "Senapati Producers Organization of Organic Kiwifruit (SPOOOK)" and promoted cluster-based organic production of kiwifruit in 6 tribal villages. Additionally, a partnership was formed with the state government to facilitate organic certification. The initiative was successful in improving tribal farmer's understanding for kiwifruit cultivation and significantly increasing their income.