Pakistan has failed to introduce Kinnow in high-end markets due to non existence of export policy for horticulture sector. Senior member Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahmad Jawad told Business Recorder that Pakistan's trade offices abroad must help through trade diplomacy by co-ordinating well with the importers for kinnow shipments during the entire season so that trade volume could increase.
"I was surprised on the recent figures of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) that Kinnow export target has been met. I think the Association didn't know ground realities as to what happened actually with Kinnow in this closing season. Fruit production, he said, was around 2.0 million tons every year and exports hardly 300,000 tons. "Is this achievement," he questioned. Regardless of domestic demand there is still 200,000 to 300,000 tons vacuum available for export subject to the laid down TOR and SOP's for this fruit on collective basis.
Currently, Kinnow farmers who are the real stakeholders and so-called exporters are not on the same page which is a matter of great concern, Jawad remarked. Pakistan is one of the top 10 citrus producing countries in the world and it is one of the major fruits exported from the country. Punjab dominates the national horizon, contributing 90 percent to the total production.
Besides, Sargodha alone produces 70 percent of the total output. Citrus produced in the city is considered the best variety in the world and has great demand in international markets. Sargodha is the largest producer of Citrus Reticule variety of Kinnow, a unique variety produced in this part of the world. Though the output has shown some improvement this year, it comes after a decline over the past couple of years.
In the last few years, it has been noticed that Citrus production has been decreasing due to pest and disease attacks and farmers were not able to control diseases, which caused them heavy losses. The production also fell because in the absence of state-of-the-art technology, fake pesticides were used and black-marketing of fertilisers. However, unlike the past, this year the citrus crop has remained good due to availability of pesticides and fertilisers at the right time and entry of many new investors. New players have taken citrus farms on contract and are capable of buying good-quality pesticides and ensuring timely purchase of fertilisers. Farmers lack resources to ensure purchase of fertilisers at the right time, which has compounded quality problems and resulted in prolonged disease attacks.