Pakistan exporters have set a target of exporting 350,000 tons of the fruit this season as compared to the 300,000 tons exported last year. The All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA) commenced the kinnow export on December 1. The association expects to fetch foreign exchange worth $210 million this season.
Pakistan’s total production of kinnow is estimated to be around 2,100,000 tonnes this year; however, the production of exportable quality kinnow is far less. Of the total produce, 75pc consists of B and C grade kinnow that are not up to exportable standards. This is because the orchards are 60 years old and susceptible to various diseases.
Talking to Profit, PFVA Chairman Waheed Ahmed said that the overall export of citrus fruits and value-added products can be enhanced to $1 billion in five years, but it is imperative to explore new varieties of disease-free citrus fruits and establish new orchards with a higher yield per acre through extensive research & development (R&D).
Source: profit.pakistantoday.com.pk