Kinnow processing plants begin operation

SARGODHA: The sale and purchase of kinnow has started in Sargodha district and most kinnow processing plants are operational now. The kinnow was being purchased from farmers at a rate of Rs1000 per 40 kilogrammes by processors.

A, B C categories have also been dismissed while only one category of kinnow was being observed. Kinnow growers told APP on Friday that the decision made by the district administration regarding rates of kinnow is appropriate. Bumper crop of kinnow was also being expected by the Agriculture Department.

Agriculture officials said that farmers were encouraged to remove different categories of kinnow and now whole fruits in the farms are selling. Kinnow Growers Association Chairman said that the government initiative for rates is commendable. “Kinnow exports would also be enhanced and large contributions will be made to the national exchequer”. He added that overall satisfactory yield was being expected while some orchards were also facing diseases attacks for which farmers should take proper care of their farms. Citrus Research Institute Sargodha (CRIS) was also striving hard to improve the quality of fruit and also providing assistance among farmers to get the best results from orchards, a CRIS official said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2019.