Pakistan, China ink deal to boost citrus industry

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) and Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan (HZAU) inked a material transfer agreement (MTA) for citrus rootstock and scion budwood at a ceremony held at UAF on September 30.

Professor Dr Liu Yongzhong, a collaborative scientist from HZAU, handed over nine citrus varieties' budwood to Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor of UAF, under a Higher Education Commission-funded project.

The agreement marks a major step in the ongoing collaboration between the two universities aimed at enhancing the citrus industry in Pakistan.

Last year, UAF and HZAU signed a memorandum of understanding to establish China-Pakistan Horticulture Research and Demonstration Centre with the urgent objective of improving citrus production and fruit quality and ultimately increasing profitability.

Citrus holds a prominent position among the 30 fruit crops grown in Pakistan, ranking first in terms of area (approximately 200,000 hectares) and production (2.29 million tonnes).

In 2021, Pakistan generated $171 million through citrus fruit exports, accounting for one-third of the total value of fruit exports. Punjab stands out as the largest citrus producer in the country, contributing over 95% of the total production.

The mandarin fruit, 'kinnow', is the most cultivated citrus variety in Pakistan, accounting for over 80% of other citrus genotypes, due to its attractive peel colour, size, ease of peeling, high juice content, and excellent taste and aroma. However, citrus trees are sensitive and prone to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Climate change poses serious challenges to citrus growth and productivity due to abiotic stresses.

The MTA signed between UAF and HZAU aims to address the challenges by introducing new citrus varieties and technologies that can improve productivity.