The Riverina valley, located in New South Wales, is recognized as Australia's primary citrus-producing area, contributing significantly to the nation's agricultural output. This region is distinguished by its cultivation of various fruits, including oranges, cherries, and strawberries. Among these, oranges are particularly noted for their juice content, size, sweetness, and seedless nature.
Spanning approximately 8,510 hectares for citrus alone, the Riverina accounts for 30% of Australia's total citrus production. Griffith, Leeton, and Hillston are key towns within this region, serving as critical hubs for processing, logistics, and storage, thereby playing a vital role in Australia's food security. The strategic placement of storage facilities near railway lines enhances the efficiency of goods transportation across the country.
In the context of citrus production, the Riverina's success is attributed to the cultivation of both Valencia and Navel oranges. The Valencia variety, ideal for juicing due to its thin skin and ability to increase sweetness over time, contrasts with the Navel oranges, which are favored for their sweetness, juiciness, seedlessness, and ease of peeling. Collectively, the Murray Valley, Mildura, and Swan Hill Riverland, alongside the Riverina, dominate Australia's orange production, with a combined area of 16,131 hectares, representing 90% of the national total. The US Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS) estimated Australia's orange production at 530,000 metric tons in 2023, with 200,000 metric tons exported, positioning Australia as the 7th largest exporter of oranges globally.
Australia's primary export markets include Japan, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea, which collectively absorb about 60% of its orange exports. These markets are known for their stringent regulatory standards, particularly in the fruits and vegetables sectors. Pakistan, facing challenges in its citrus sector, including declining productivity and export volumes, can draw valuable insights from the Riverina's model. Collaboration between Pakistani and Australian citrus growers, facilitated by entities like the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), could potentially revitalize Pakistan's citrus industry through knowledge exchange and the introduction of new plant varieties.
Source: ProPakistani