Pakistan’s citrus industry faces decline despite global legacy

Pakistan, a country renowned for its agricultural diversity, is home to over 60 varieties of citrus fruits. At the heart of this industry is the kinnow, a fruit that has become synonymous with the nation’s citrus identity.

Interestingly, kinnow’s journey began far from Pakistan. Originally cultivated in California, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced the fruit to the region by gifting plants to various countries, including the Agriculture College in Lyallpur, now the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. From there, kinnow spread to Punjab, with Sargodha emerging as the hub of its production.

Sargodha’s golden era

The fertile lands of Sargodha district proved ideal for kinnow cultivation, making it a leader in volume, taste, and quality. Today, Sargodha accounts for nearly 200,000 acres of the 400,000 acres of kinnow orchards in Pakistan. In total, the country produces about 2.5 million tons of citrus annually, with kinnow dominating the sector.

Processing factories in Sargodha grade the fruit into two main categories:

• Category A: Export-quality kinnow sent to Dubai, Russia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Europe, and Canada.
• Category B: Lower-grade kinnow sold domestically.

  

Despite this historical success, Pakistan’s citrus industry is facing sharp declines.

Declining exports

Once ranked among the top ten global citrus exporters, Pakistan has slipped to 15th place. In the past five years, kinnow exports have dropped by nearly 50%. Environmental pollution, outdated cultivation methods, and dependence on a single kinnow variety have contributed to this decline.

Experts warn that without diversification and innovation, the industry could deteriorate further. “Over-reliance on a single variety is risky,” said an agriculture specialist.

Efforts to revive the industry

The Punjab government has allocated 1.5 billion rupees to rejuvenate citrus farming, establishing research institutes in key cities. However, local farmers remain doubtful about the impact. “There’s insufficient support for grassroots-level implementation,” a farmer from Sargodha said.

The path ahead

Pakistan’s citrus industry has vast potential, but experts argue that it requires a strategic overhaul. Diversifying citrus varieties, adopting modern farming practices, and addressing farmers' concerns are critical steps.

With effective reforms, Pakistan could reclaim its position as a global citrus powerhouse, turning its kinnow legacy into a sustainable future.