TAXILA: The persistent dry spell has badly affected the citrus farms in the Khanpur area, causing huge losses to the farmers besides affecting the taste, sale and prices of the fruits.

A visit to the farms located in the Punj Khatta area showed that the unfavourable weather conditions had reduced the per tree yield of the world famous citrus of Khanpur.

The orchards, spreading over 280 hectares, mostly consist of the popular species of citrus particularly the red-blood, shakrey, musammy, hamlin, ruby red, fruiter and grapefruit.

The traditional makeshift sale points established on the Taxila-Khanpur road every year from November to March presented a deserted look this year as customers seemed not interested in buying the fruits due to the lack of its traditional taste.

“There was a reduced crop production this year due to the prolonged dry spell. Rains add a special taste to these citrus for which they are famous the world over,” said Raja Asad, who runs a makeshift stall.

The reduced crop size, he said, had also increased the per hundred price of Khanpuri citrus, which was available at Rs1,000 and expected to increase to Rs13,00.

“Customers are fond of the famous red-blood species of citrus but its unavailability in the market has affected the business of farmers.”

Tahir Shah, a customer at a makeshift shop, said the traditional taste of the Khanpuri species of citrus was missing this year and, as a result, the citizens seemed least interested in buying the fruits. He said the red-blood, which used to be available in the marker in the beginning of December, was not seen so far.

Raja Javaid, another farmer, said so far only shakrey was available in the farms but due to the dry spell it had also not developed the traditional taste.

Mr Javaid said the world famous red-blood Khanpuri citrus had so far not produced due to the dry spell. “This variety is available only after considerable rains.”

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2016