The Punjab government has allocated the $6.5 million budget to revamp the sector of citrus in Pakistan, which is which is the foundation of Pakistan’s agricultural exports. This plan, as laid out in the Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association (PFVA) will aim to bring in cutting-edge methods as well as diversify the varieties of citrus by implementing a variety of strategic steps.

The core of this process is the development of disease-free nursery farms capable of generating an average of one million trees annually. In addition, the plan will also see the introduction of fresh varieties of citrus, as well as the development of demonstration orchards with high density, which are all outfitted with modern irrigation technology. Mobile test units for soil and water will also be on the list along with leasing the land to investors to allow the creation of innovative orchards.

The PFVA highlighted the critical necessity to combat the effects of climate change with durable citrus cultivars and modern methods of farming. “The citrus industry in Pakistan is the top exporter of horticulture, however climate change and outdated cultivars are placing it in danger. The recommendations of the PFVA are the basis for this transformational initiative taken by the Punjab administration,” declared Waheed Ahmed, PFVA Patron-in-Chief.

This complete plan will also include engaging certified private service providers who specialize in orchard management as well as the implementation of a quality-focused citrus program designed to increase the export quality of production. Modern pesticide residue testing lab that was created in cooperation with international collaborators, will assure the compliance of international standards. In addition, a thorough international market research study is expected to discover new possibilities to export Pakistan’s fruit.

A group headed by Waheed Ahmed will be set to go over the finer particulars with the Punjab’s leadership in agriculture. “This project is a reflection of the Punjab government’s dedication to ensuring the future of our industry and combating the impacts of changes in climate on this important industry,” Ahmed remarked. This initiative is not just designed to revitalize the industry of citrus and strengthen Pakistan’s status within the international market for horticulture, opening the way to economic as well as environmental sustainability.

Source: The Express Tribune