Rs1.2 billion allocated for improving citrus yield: minister

LAHORE:Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Ashiq Hussain has said the Punjab government is taking steps for the revival and promotion of citrus in the province.

The minister said this while speaking at a meeting held at Agriculture House here on Tuesday. The minister said increasing citrus production is among the priorities of the Punjab government, emphasising Kinnow, in particular, is a hallmark of Punjab. Due to climate change, citrus orchards are deteriorating and being affected by various diseases, leading to a decrease in fruit size and shelf life, especially of Kinnow. He agreed on several practical proposals including the establishment of a Citrus Park, linking the Kissan Card platform with citrus orchards, recruiting 100 agriculture interns in Agriculture Extension and 100 youth for the three-year project of citrus revival, and providing subsidies similar to the wheat support programme. He stressed the need to bring fruit nurseries under legal regulation by licensing and registering them.

He also instructed the Bank of Punjab to introduce a loan scheme for farmers managing citrus nurseries. He highlighted the need to enhance citrus exports and improve its value chain in line with international standards. Under the Chief Minister's Kissan Package, a significant amount of Rs1.2 billion has been allocated for citrus revival, aiming to establish certified nurseries, new orchards, and increase both production and exports, thereby strengthening the national economy.

He said the goal of the citrus revival programme is to use modern agricultural technology to produce certified citrus plants and provide technical guidance to farmers. He directed that a comprehensive strategy be devised to reduce post-harvest losses of citrus and that gardeners be given timely technical guidance on proper pruning. He added that funds are being provided to make the Citrus Research Institute Sargodha more active so that new techniques and improved seed varieties can enhance productivity.

A targeted programme for citrus revival will be launched on a large area in Sargodha. The minister appreciated the performance of the officers and staff of the Agriculture Extension Wing. Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, stated that efforts are being made to ensure the availability of quality and affordable citrus plants. Deputy Convener Citrus Task Force Punjab, Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, highlighted that Pakistan's annual citrus exports have declined from $200 million to $130 million.