A significant 35% decrease in kinnow production is anticipated this year in Pakistan, primarily due to the adverse effects of smog and fog. This decline is projected to lead to export volumes plummeting from 500,000 tons to just 250,000 tons.
The patron-in-chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, Waheed Ahmed, has warned that unless new kinnow varieties are introduced, exports could cease within three years. He emphasized that the ongoing smog and fog have negatively impacted not only human health but also the production of various fruits and vegetables.
The expected kinnow production for this year is approximately 1.5 million tons. In contrast, last year saw exports of 300,000 tons, generating between 200 and 220 million dollars.
This year, however, exports are forecasted to be limited to 250,000 tons, yielding only around 100 million dollars.
Exporters highlighted that kinnow exports stood at 500,000 tons five years ago but have now dwindled to just 250,000 tons, attributing this decline largely to outdated kinnow varieties.
In light of these challenges, exporters are calling on provincial and federal governments to enhance research and development initiatives, establish new kinnow orchards in different regions, and introduce innovative varieties. They caution that without these efforts, kinnow exports may face a total shutdown within three years.
