Bilal Ashraf
Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2020
- Messages
- 109
The Kinnow industry, a significant contributor to Pakistan's income and employment, is facing a crisis with a projected 50 percent drop in citrus fruit exports this year due to quality issues, according to industry officials. The current variety of Kinnow, introduced six decades ago, has lost its natural resistance to diseases and climate change, resulting in lower yields and compromised quality.
The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association warns that the five-month season has shrunk to 1.5 months, with half of the processing plants closing, posing a threat to the substantial investment and livelihoods of 400,000 people.
Waheed Ahmed, the patron-in-chief of the association, expressed concerns that if the situation persists, Kinnow exports from Pakistan may cease within the next two years. Despite earning $220 million from exporting 450,000 tonnes of Kinnow in the past, this year's volume is expected to be limited to 150,000 - 250,000 tonnes, generating only $100 million in revenue. Ahmed emphasized the need for new Kinnow varieties, as the current one has exceeded its lifespan, putting Pakistan's position in citrus fruit exports at risk.
Ahmed called on the government to prioritize the development of new Kinnow varieties to prevent a crisis that could impact millions of jobs and billions in foreign exchange. He highlighted the deterioration in Kinnow quality, leading to rejected export shipments and financial losses for exporters and importers.
The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association warns that the five-month season has shrunk to 1.5 months, with half of the processing plants closing, posing a threat to the substantial investment and livelihoods of 400,000 people.
Waheed Ahmed, the patron-in-chief of the association, expressed concerns that if the situation persists, Kinnow exports from Pakistan may cease within the next two years. Despite earning $220 million from exporting 450,000 tonnes of Kinnow in the past, this year's volume is expected to be limited to 150,000 - 250,000 tonnes, generating only $100 million in revenue. Ahmed emphasized the need for new Kinnow varieties, as the current one has exceeded its lifespan, putting Pakistan's position in citrus fruit exports at risk.
Ahmed called on the government to prioritize the development of new Kinnow varieties to prevent a crisis that could impact millions of jobs and billions in foreign exchange. He highlighted the deterioration in Kinnow quality, leading to rejected export shipments and financial losses for exporters and importers.