Citrus exporters in Pakistan have set a target to export 300,000 tonnes of kinnow this season. This goal is expected to generate $110 million in foreign exchange, according to the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association.
Last season, Pakistan exported 250,000 tonnes of kinnow, earning around $95 million. Exporters believe earnings could reach $400 million within five years if new citrus varieties are introduced and supply chain efficiency improves.
Exports for the current season began on December 1, with 6,000 tonnes shipped to markets in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the association, said total kinnow production is expected to reach 2.7 million tonnes this year, compared to 1.7 million tonnes last season.
Despite higher production, current export volumes remain nearly 50 percent lower than the 550,000 tonnes exported five years ago. Limited research and reliance on older citrus varieties are cited as major reasons behind the decline.
Horticulture expert Dr. Aasia Akbar Panhwar suggested that farmers adopt new citrus varieties, including seedless kinnow, kinnow gold, kinnow late, mandarin nova, and mandarin clementine. She added that modern packing houses, cold treatment, and compliance with international food safety standards can boost global acceptance of Pakistani kinnow.
Ahmed highlighted the need for the government to acquire new citrus varieties from countries like Egypt, the United States, Morocco, and China. He also called for a national-level strategy to support exporters, improve research and development, strengthen supply chains, and promote water-efficient farming methods.
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Challenges such as higher freight costs due to suspended trade with Afghanistan are forcing exporters to use longer, costlier routes through Iran. With focused efforts on new varieties, better logistics, and market expansion, Pakistan aims to strengthen its kinnow export sector and increase earnings sustainably.
