Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural exports through innovation, value addition, and quality enhancement, particularly in the citrus sector.
Focus on Reviving Global Citrus Market Share
The minister highlighted that citrus, especially Kinnow mandarins, remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s export portfolio. Restoring its global market share, he said, is a key policy priority.
“We’re focusing on the entire value chain, from farm to foreign markets, by promoting modern agricultural practices, ensuring compliance with international standards, and improving logistics infrastructure,” he stated on Saturday.
PHDEC Workshop Promotes Modern Practices
Jam Kamal’s remarks came after the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) participated in the Agri Expo Sargodha (October 7–8). During the event, PHDEC organised a technical workshop titled “Enhancing Citrus Quality and Export Competitiveness: Pest and Disease Control Measures, Harvest and Post-Harvest Management, and Effective Logistics Solutions.”
The workshop attracted citrus growers, exporters, and researchers from across the region. Experts from the Citrus Research Institute (CRI), Sargodha, shared insights on pest control, disease management, and harvest handling techniques aimed at improving fruit quality and reducing export losses.
Moreover, PHDEC distributed Urdu-language citrus booklets to help farmers adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and modern orchard management methods.
Improved Logistics for Upcoming Citrus Season
To ensure smooth and temperature-controlled exports, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) showcased its reefer container transport solutions and logistics plan for the upcoming citrus season starting in December.
This initiative aims to prevent spoilage and improve delivery efficiency for Pakistan’s citrus exports.
Building a Competitive and Sustainable Export Base
Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the joint efforts of farmers, exporters, and government institutions, noting that collaboration is essential for sustainable growth.
“Pakistan has immense natural potential. The focus now must be on quality, consistency, and global competitiveness,” he said.
Commitment to Strengthening the Citrus Value Chain
The PHDEC reaffirmed its continued efforts under the Ministry of Commerce to strengthen the citrus value chain. It pledged to ensure that Pakistan’s agricultural exports meet international standards and market expectations, aligning with the government’s broader trade diversification goals.
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