The agreement is a notable advancement in the universities’ collaboration, aimed at improving Pakistan’s citrus industry. The previous year, both institutions signed an MoU to establish a China-Pakistan Horticulture Research and Demonstration Center, with a primary goal of enhancing citrus yield and quality for greater profitability.
Citrus – crucial in Pakistan’s fruit production
Citrus plays a key role in Pakistan’s fruit production, spanning around 200,000 hectares and producing 2.29 million tonnes. In 2021, the country earned $171 million from citrus exports, representing a third of the total fruit export earnings. Punjab leads the nation in citrus cultivation, contributing more than 95% of the total. ‘Kinnow’ is the most popular variety, favored for its color, size, peelability, juice, flavor, and aroma.
Citrus trees are susceptible to both biological and environmental stresses, with climate change intensifying the latter. Additionally, there has been an uptick in insect pest attacks on fruit plantations. Pakistan’s citrus yield, at 11.4 tonnes per hectare, lags behind developed nations (25 tonnes). Shorter tree lifespans and lower fruit quality reduce export competitiveness.
With just 10% of citrus production being exported, many Pakistani farmers face financial challenges due to the need to sell their produce domestically at lower prices. The Kinnow mandarin’s short harvest season of 2-3 months further restricts production and export opportunities.
The MTA signed between UAF and HZAU aims to tackle these challenges by introducing new citrus varieties and technologies to boost productivity, manage diseases, lengthen the harvest period, and diversify citrus production beyond Kinnow. This collaboration is anticipated to positively impact Pakistan’s citrus industry, benefiting farmers and the overall economy.
