Domestic Kinnow production is expected to fall 15 percent to 1.65 million tons during this season due the climate and unfavorable weather conditions. Although, Pakistan started Kinnow exports from December 1, 2015, significant drop in exportable surplus from the beginning of the season are being observed in export volumes which are at a noteworthy low.
According to Abdul Malik Former Chairman of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) the production of Kinnow is expected to be 1.65 million tons during this season compared to 1.95 million tons in the last season mainly due to unfavorable weather conditions and this condition may not result in lesser production but also must reduce exports volumes.
"Under the current uncertain circumstances Kinnow exports target has reconciled to set as 200,000 tons for this season which is comparatively 150,000 tons less than the previous season's export volume of 350,000," he mentioned. "This is unfortunate that the production of valued fruit had decreased mainly because of the climatic change which has now become another challenge for growers, exporters and government institutions," he said.
He said PFVA had always emphasized on research and development at every level to save Pakistan's Kinnow industry. Malik said the export of Kinnow would be largely dependant on the traditional markets abroad including Russia, UAE, Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and others.
Pakistan should be keeping in view the softened economic restrictions on Tehran followed by the nuclear deal with western countries, should also come forward to remove hindrance in trade relations with the neighboring country.
With the removal of trade barriers Islamabad may easily export 0.1 million tones of Kinnow just to Iran. Besides, exporters are also trying to tap markets in Thailand, which is another lucrative market of this fruit after Iran. Thailand is already importing citrus fruits worth $145 million from China, Taiwan, Australia South Korea and others.
"There is an international market worth $15 billion of citrus varieties and its value-added products and we believe that Pakistan by introducing other varieties of Kinnow in the country can export more." He also stressed on immediate steps to meet the increasing challenges related to production and export of this fruit.
Prime minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Shareef has constituted a committee to look into the possibility of establishing a citrus development board which can look into the affairs of citrus industry only. He has asked the committee to finalize and submit a report within 30 days.
