KARACHI:
The Punjab government has announced a transformational investment of 1.5 billion Rs to modernize and revitalize the citrus industry, Pakistan’s leading horticultural export sector, according to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA).
Key elements of the citrus industry transformation program include the establishment of disease-free citrus nurseries capable of producing one million plants per year, the introduction of new citrus varieties to diversify the industry, and the establishment of high-density demonstration orchards equipped with modern irrigation systems.
Mobile soil and water testing units will also be introduced, while large tracts of land will be leased to investors to set up state-of-the-art orchards. The PFVA roadmap highlights the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change by introducing modern agricultural practices and resilient citrus varieties.
PFVA Chief Waheed Ahmed said, “The citrus industry is Pakistan’s number one horticultural exporter, but climate change and outdated varieties are putting it at risk. PFVA’s recommendations laid the foundation for this transformative initiative by the Punjab government .”
The project also consists of certified private service providers for specialized orchards and the development of a citrus quality leadership program.
This program will incentivize farmers to produce export quality fruits while enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets.
A modern pesticide residue testing laboratory, in collaboration with international partners, will ensure compliance with global standards, while a comprehensive international market research study will explore trends and opportunities for Pakistan’s citrus exports.
A delegation of PFVA, led by Waheed Ahmed, is set to meet the Minister of Agriculture and Agriculture of Punjab to discuss the implementation of the project.
“This investment reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to safeguarding the future of our citrus industry and mitigating the effects of climate change on this vital sector,” Ahmed said.
The initiative is not only expected to revitalize the citrus sector but also strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global fruit and vegetable market, ensuring long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, this ground-breaking initiative stems from the detailed recommendations of the PFVA, whose efforts have brought much-needed attention to the challenges facing the citrus sector, including climate change and outdated agricultural practices.
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