Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters and Merchants Association (PFVA), has called for the urgent introduction of new citrus varieties and greater investment in research and development to support production and exports. He recognised the federal and Punjab governments' commitment to the citrus sector but warned that without immediate measures, the industry risks collapse.
"Pakistan's kinnow sector is facing a severe crisis due to climate change and the continued reliance on a decades-old variety, raising fears of a complete collapse in exports within the next three years, if urgent measures are not taken," he said in an interview with Wealth Pakistan.
He explained that Pakistan needs to introduce three to four new citrus varieties to remain competitive and extend the export season from three to six to eight months. "Kinnow-producing countries grow multiple varieties, which allows them to extend their export periods, but we have failed to introduce any parallel variety," he noted. "We need to sustain this industry for at least 5-8 months, from October through April to May, because the citrus window varies from one market to another in the world, and we should take advantage of this."
According to Waheed, Pakistan's citrus export value has dropped from US$225 million three years ago to just US$80–90 million this year. He said that half of the value-added factories have closed as the kinnow variety in production is more than 60 years old and no longer resistant to diseases or adaptable to changing weather. He added that globally, no fruit variety lasts beyond 25 years, while Pakistan has not taken steps to replace or upgrade.
Climate change has further impacted production. "Prolonged heat and the delayed arrival of winters are also badly affecting the sweetness, moisture, and quality of kinnow, not only hitting exports but also pushing up local prices," he said. "This is just the beginning; in the future, the impact on production will be even greater." He estimated that smog and fog have already reduced production by up to 35%.
Waheed suggested engaging an international consultant, developing modern nurseries, and introducing laws to control the spread of diseases. "The nursery issue exists because there is no modern system, and the diseases spread from there."
He also stressed the need to introduce seedless kinnow, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits to regain competitiveness. "Our kinnow has become a class-2 category fruit, with too many seeds and blemished skin."
Out of 250 kinnow processing factories in the country, half have already closed, affecting 300,000 workers and putting an investment of about US$1.1 billion (Rs300 billion) at risk. Waheed also noted that major international markets have restricted imports of Pakistani kinnow, while demand for smaller fruit in Russia has declined.
Source: INP