KARACHI  - The country is expected to meet the 0.3 million tones of citrus export target this year, earning foreign exchange of $ 200 million during the season. The expected export of 60,000 to 70,000 tones kinnow during the next 30 to 40 days of this season will help in meeting the set target.
According to Waheed Ahmed, Chairman Research and Development of All Pakistan Fruit, Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA), out of 0.24 million tones, 0.1 million tones (which is more than 40 percent of the country’s exports) kinnow were exported to Russia where the fruit had better demand. The low price of Pakistani fruit was another reason of enhanced export to Moscow this year.
Following the Russia’s ban on food imports from a number of Western countries, Pakistan has exported over 40 percent of its Kinnow to Moscow during this season so far. Pakistan, which is fast approaching the export target of 0.3 million tones of kinnow this year, has exported 0.24 million tones since December 2014 when the export of Kinnow was formally started, he added.
According to Waheed, the horticulture sector was flourishing with the passage of time and by introducing research and development and new varieties of citrus fruits the country may easily export over $ 1billion worth Kinnow.
For that purpose, PFVA, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with internationally renowned research institute CABI and Pakistan’s Agricultural Research Council. Besides, the association is coordinating with various universities and research institutions to improve quality of fruits and vegetable in the country.