KARACHI: Pakistan exported 125,000 tonnes of kinno from December 2018 till to date at the rate of $500 per tonne.

The country fixed the export target at 350,000 tonnes for this season, which will conclude in March/April.

All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed on Tuesday stated that the kinno export target would be achieved if rains do not destroy the orchards and goods carriers movement remains smooth.

The country exported 375,000 tonnes of kinno worth $200 million last year. He said bulk exports of the citrus fruit were made mainly to Russia, the Philippines, Indonesia and the UAE.

However, Pakistan has failed to capitalise on the Iranian market for the last eight years where 80,000-100,000 tonnes could easily be shipped, he deplored.

Waheed said the association has submitted recommendations to the Federal Minister National Food Security and Research regarding enhancement in production and exports of fruits and vegetables leading to creation of ample employment opportunities for millions of people.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2019