Major producer: 70% is the contribution made by Sargodha alone in the total citrus production.
The current season seems to be one of the best for citrus cultivation as advanced farming techniques have been introduced and new investors have jumped in, giving a significant boost to production.
Pakistan is one of the top 10 citrus producing countries in the world and it is one of the major fruits exported from the country. Punjab dominates the national horizon, contributing 90% to the total production.
In the province, Sargodha alone produces 70% of the total output. Citrus produced in the city is considered the best variety in the world and has great demand in international markets.
Sargodha is the largest producer of Citrus Reticula called kinnow, a unique variety produced in this part of the world.
Though the output has improved this year, it comes after a decline over the past couple of years.
“Citrus production had been decreasing for the last couple of years due to pest and disease attacks,” said Amjad Ali, an expert in Sargodha, while talking to The Express Tribune. “Farmers could not be able to control diseases, which caused them heavy losses.”
The production fell in the absence of state-of-the-art technology, application of fake pesticides and black-marketing of fertilisers.
However, unlike the past, this year the citrus crop has remained good due to availability of pesticides and fertilisers at the right time and entry of many new investors. The new players have taken citrus farms on contract and are capable of buying good-quality pesticides and ensuring timely purchase of fertilisers.
“We have the best variety of citrus in the world. This year, the production and quality of the crop are good and it will prove to be the best for exporters,” said JM Exports Chief Executive Officer Rao Usman Ali.
Major export markets of Pakistan are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), other Middle Eastern countries, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Russia.
Ali pointed out that the farmers had not the required resources to ensure purchase of fertilisers at the right time, which compounded quality problems and prolonged disease attacks. Now, he added, citrus processing plants were meeting international market standards and would be able to step up export of the fruit.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2014.
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I am always eager to develop my country Pakistan products and have been doing so since long. The tragedy of bad ethics, which no doubt can be developed from Farmers to several hands until it reaches the market or... The handling, packaging and transportation is also vital which is product processing of hygiene and also making it export worthy to comply with International standards. Pakistan can reap many folds if they are educated and guided. I for myself, would like to have products for Europe, so if there is any good product and properly standards, please let me know.
This season farmers are badly affected as they are suffering from low rates and less market buyers. Until now their gardens are as such and no one even eager to buy at lowest price of last three years. Please go through the facts before publishing such data. Russian market is one of biggest importer of Pakistan Kinno but this year they allowed very late to import our product. In fact last year was better with respect to productivity, export and farmers revenue generation.
Regards Farmer from Sargodha