In the misty hills of Pfütsero, in Nagaland’s Phek district, Ngupetso Kapfo has quietly transformed a challenging landscape into a thriving symbol of organic farming success. Over more than two decades, this dedicated farmer has built an impressive organic kiwi orchard that is helping place Nagaland firmly on India’s fruit map.
Ngupetso’s journey to becoming a kiwi pioneer was anything but linear. He once navigated multiple career paths—starting in government service, then moving into carpentry, and later becoming a timber merchant. Each transition brought its own lessons, but none felt quite right. It was only when he turned to farming that he discovered true fulfillment. “The road to happiness is seldom a straightforward one,” as the story of his life aptly captures. Faced with crossroads more than once, he persisted through trial and error, observation, and sheer determination.
The remote, high-elevation terrain of Nagaland’s hills proved ideal for kiwi cultivation, with its cool subtropical climate and fertile soil. Yet growing the fruit—originally known as Chinese gooseberry—organically in such a setting was no small feat. Ngupetso learned techniques largely on his own, adapting to the challenges of steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and the need for sustainable practices. He committed fully to organic methods, shunning synthetic fertilizers and harsh pesticides in favor of nurturing healthy soil and natural ecosystems.
Today, at his farm (often referred to in profiles as Rhion Farm), the vines yield abundantly. Each season, the branches hang heavy with fuzzy brown fruits, producing around 7,500 kilograms of high-quality kiwis. This consistent output reflects not just volume but care: Ngupetso emphasizes precision in every step. One of his signature tools is the refractometer, a portable device that measures sugar levels (in Brix) directly from the fruit to confirm optimal ripeness before harvest. This scientific touch ensures that only the sweetest, best-quality kiwis reach the market, setting a benchmark for excellence in the region.
His work goes beyond personal achievement. By focusing on organic kiwi production, Ngupetso demonstrates how Northeast India’s hilly states can excel in specialty fruits like kiwi, joining neighbors such as Arunachal Pradesh in this growing sector. His farm serves as an inspiration for local farmers, showing that sustainable, chemical-free methods can lead to profitable and environmentally sound agriculture. It also contributes to broader goals like improved household nutrition, food security, and long-term soil health—benefits that extend far beyond one orchard.
Through his persistence and innovative approach, Ngupetso Kapfo has turned a once-overlooked corner of Nagaland into a beacon for kiwi growers across India. His story, highlighted in the Good Food Champions series by the Good Food Movement, reminds us that real change in agriculture often starts with one person’s unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. In the hills of Pfütsero, fuzzy green-gold kiwis are no longer just a crop—they’re proof that dedication and respect for the land can rewrite the map of Indian fruit production.
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