Islamabad : Exports of kinnow from Pakistan have begun for the current season, with 6,000 tons shipped so far—since December 1—to the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association has set an export target of 300,000 tons for this season, which is expected to generate 110 million dollars in foreign exchange.
Last season, Pakistan exported 250,000 tons of kinnow, earning 95 million dollars.
According to the Association’s Patron-in-Chief, Waheed Ahmed, this season has seen a bumper crop, with total production expected to reach 2.7 million tons compared to 1.7 million tons last season. Despite the increase in production, Pakistan’s kinnow exports are still 50 percent lower than the 550,000 tons exported five years ago. He said the main reason for this decline is the lack of research and development in kinnow cultivation and reliance on old varieties that cannot withstand environmental challenges, rather than introducing new ones.
Waheed Ahmed said the PFVA has presented short-, medium-, and long-term plans to the government to boost kinnow exports. If implemented, Pakistan can introduce new varieties and increase kinnow exports to 400 million dollars within the next five years.
He added that Pakistan will need to acquire new varieties from Egypt, the United States, Morocco, and China for local cultivation. At the same time, preference must be given to low-water-consuming varieties such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, and mandarin, which have strong demand in international markets.
According to him, the suspension of trade with Afghanistan has created difficulties in exporting kinnow via land routes to Central Asian states and Russia. The alternative route through Iran is long and costly; freight rates through Iran have already increased by up to 100 percent at the start of the season, alongside additional logistics challenges.
Waheed Ahmed also emphasized the need for a national-level strategy to enhance kinnow exports, strengthen research and development, and promote modern irrigation methods in view of the growing water shortage.
