In Faisalabad, the third-most-populous city in Pakistan, the Trade Development Authority (TDA) organised a seminar about exporting oranges for growers and exporters. The focus was on modern techniques for enhancing per acre yield and increasing export.
The seminar was attended by Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Qaisar Iqbal, Citrus Research Institute Planning Officer Abdul Rehman, D Waqar Ahmed and a number of oranges’ growers, traders, exporters and factory owners.
Speaking on the occasion, Qaisar said that Pakistan was at number 13 in citrus production and that Sargodha contributes to 80 per cent of the country’s citrus production.
He said that the country produces a total of 2.132 million tonnes of oranges of which, Punjab produces 2.077 million tonnes, whereas Sargodha produces 94 per cent of the whole province’s share.
He revealed that last year oranges worth $150.6 million were exported, adding that more attention by the government can enhance this export to $200 million.”By bringing more innovations including seedless and diseases free oranges, the exports can be enhanced to $1,000 million,” he claimed.
Other speakers briefed the growers and exporters about the opportunities in various markets where they can export the produce and also highlighted disease prevention methods.
