ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s share of the $14.8 billion global citrus market is just $177 million, but its exports could increase by 40pc if the Iranian government allows the import of kinnow, a National Assembly subcommittee was told.

The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (APFVEA) briefed a subcommittee of the National Assembly Special Committee on Agricultural Products on Thursday.

Although the meeting was supposed to be chaired by PTI MNA Syed Fakhar Imam, he ended up chairing the session of the National Assembly and the subcommittee meeting was chaired by MNA Malik Mohammad Ehsanullah Tiwana, who is also from the PTI.

An APFVEA representative told parliamentarians that Pakistan produces 2.1 million metric tons of kinnows, but exporters face continuous losses because the fruit is only exported to 10 countries. Around 60 to 70pc of diseases affect kinnows and other fruits from the citrus family, he added.

“There are a number of varieties across the globe, but we only have one variety of kinnow. Russia is the biggest market, and if issues related to duty valuation are addressed by the government we can increase exports. Iran is the second biggest market, but we cannot export kinnows due to a ban imposed by Iran,” he said.

The association has demanded that export duties on kinnows be withdrawn to protect exporters from losses. They have also demanded interest-free loans for farmers to encourage them to continue to plant and produce kinnows.

Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, who received a special invitation to the meeting, said it was unfortunate that no one was carrying out research in the citrus field in Pakistan.

Mr Khan is from Taxila, which is famous for its varieties of citrus.

“Research needs to be done,” he said, adding: “We are in the year 2020 but still varieties from 2008 and 2013 are being suggested to farmers.”

He added that many farmers have stopped planting citrus fruits and switched over to peach and lychee.

Mr Khan suggested taking steps to increase the production of citrus along with research to introduce new varieties, warning that otherwise Pakistan would not be able to compete with other countries.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2020