‘Bumper kinnow crop expected this season’

Seedless kinnow has great demand in international market

SARGODHA: Citrus Research Institute Sargodha (CRIS) Director Muhammad Nawaz Maken has said Pakistani oranges (kinnow) export would be increased during the current season due to expected bumper crop and the best quality production.

The CRIS was making all-out efforts to improve the quality of citrus and special attention was also being paid to seedless kinnow production which had great demand across the globe, besides strengthening the national economy, he added.



He said that Rs800 per 40 kg kinnow rate had already been decided with consultation of all stakeholders, including factory owners and growers.

Nawaz Maken maintained that growers’ rights were also being protected and Rs200 per 40 kg rate of low quality kinnow had also been decided by the district administration. He pointed out that around 200 different varieties of citrus were available at the CRIS and new techniques were also being introduced among growers to enhance the production and quality.

He urged growers to consult with the institute for making their orchards the best and advised them to cultivate seedless kinnow due to its demand in the international market and potential to attract better rates.



He said the CRIS experts were also providing assistance to farmers and special seminars were also being held in this regard.

Earlier officials said the demand for Pakistani oranges has dropped in overseas markets as India, Turkey and Egypt have started producing seedless kinnows.

They said the demand for seedless kinnows remains high, especially in the West, but unfortunately Pakistan does not produce such varieties. They urged Pakistani farmers to start seedless kinnow production so that exporters could be able to penetrate European Union markets and introduce new varieties, which will fetch good prices in the existing markets.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1^st, 2017.