Former Chairman of Horticulture Exports, Ahmad Jawad has said it is a rightly decision of the parliamentarians to take up the important matter issue of citrus growers in the National Assembly because right now kinnow belt in Punjab emerged as a industry for kinnow exports, if we don't offer appropriate rates to farmers, then ultimately kinnow exports may suffer which will be commence on first December.
Referring to Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha MNA and other who submitted a "Calling Attention Notice" in National Assembly in which they draw the attention of the ministry for national food security and research towards the problem faced by citrus growers in the country. The citrus exports association has reduced the price per mound of citrus by Rs 250 as compared to last year pricing of Rs 850 to Rs 600, which is a matter of grave concern for the millions of citrus grows in the country. "It is serious matter which warrants appropriate response from the Minister on the floor of the house immediately"; legislators added. "The silent slip of the local administration of Sargodha has proved that they don't want to resolve the important issue which was exist from the last two months in the largest belt of kinnow".
He said last year kinnow exports were closed around 360,000 tons and we have the capability to increase up to 500,000 tons with the support of the government, provided also due relief to local farmers. Jawad told that last year 40 kg kinnow were purchased for Rs 850 and now Rs 600 rate which is unjustifiable as the prices of DAP, Potash and Urea have gone up compare with last year including the price of diesel reached up to Rs 133 per liter, so how growers can compete that rate when their cost of production already increased. "In Previous Government tenure Urea and DAP prices were Rs 1200 and Rs 2380 per bag respectively and in the incumbent government the Urea and DAP Prices are Rs 1925 and Rs 3395 per bag respectively and the price of potash Rs 4200".
As Punjab produce over 95% of the fruit mainly in Sargodha district; because of its favorable growing conditions, and adequate canal and sub-soil water. Kinnow constitutes 80% of the citrus fruit and is a major export commodity. He further mentioned application of modern techniques and traditional practices at all stages of growth and during the post-harvest phase can not only add value to the fruit which attracts premium prices but can also increase exports which fetch foreign exchange.
Citrus Research Institute Sargodha is responsible for undertaking research and development work on kinnow and other citrus varieties, besides the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC); he added.
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