SARGODHA: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah along with Secretary Humaira Ahmed and Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti on Thursday inaugurated a two-day national citrus festival at Sargodha Arts Council.

Regional Police Officer Shariq Kamal Siddiqui, Deputy Commissioner retired Capt Shoaib Ali, Director General Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) Ayuob Jamali, Executive Director Lok Virsa Uzair Khan, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) Dr Najeeba Arif and diplomats were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, the minister said the national heritage and culture division in collaboration with the Punjab government organised the citrus festival on Jan 18 and 19.

The minister said the festival would be crafted not only to showcase the economic and agricultural significance of citrus but also to promote social cohesion and a strong sense of national identity.

Jamal Shah said the festival provides a national platform for businesses, farmers, and artisans to showcase and sell citrus-related products, fostering economic growth and national resilience, thereby contributing to a more socially cohesive society.

Secretary Humaira Ahmed said the festival aims to conduct workshops, seminars, and demonstrations to educate the public on citrus farming techniques, nutritional benefits and sustainable agricultural practices.

In his welcome address, Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti said Sargodha is a major citrus producing city, thanks to its favourable weather conditions for growing the best quality kinnow (citrus).

However, he said, this year saw a drop in exports and the respective ministry should work on it to increase the exports of kinnow.

The two-day festival components include guided tours for visitors offering an immersive experience of Sargodha’s citrus orchards, traditional music, dance, and art performances from different regions of Pakistan.

PNCA Puppet Theatre, singers Fazal Jutt and Avais Niazi performed on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2024