The export of kinnow during the current season is likely to decrease by 35% compared to the previous year, due to a significant increase in the sea freight cost and ill-effects of climatic changes.

According to Waheed Ahmed, the Patron-in-Chief, All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), the exporters of kinnow are in a state of uncertainty during the current season.

Large-scale preparation for export of kinnow has not yet started, with the season due to commence from 1st December. Only a few kinnow factories in Sargodha are making preparations for the export.

He said that the export of kinnow faces stiff challenges due to the exorbitant increase in the cost of sea freight. Last year the export of kinnow was 450,000 tons against the export target of 350,000 tons. It is anticipated that the export of kinnow will remain around 300,000 tons during the current season, 35% less compared to last year.

Due to high sea freight costs, the export of kinnow to the international markets of Russia, Canada, Ukraine, Indonesia, and the Philippines is likely to suffer. Pakistan exports 50% of the total export volume of kinnow to these countries, he said.

Waheed said that the cost of sea freight to Russia, an important international market, during the previous season was $2500-3000 per container has risen to $7000 per container. Similarly, the sea freight cost to the Philippines, Indonesia which was $2000 has now increased to $4000-5000.

Waheed shared that the kinnow industry is a source of direct employment to 400,000 people. With a likely reduction in export of kinnow, the exporters, growers, and people working in the orchards and transport companies would be equally affected.

He said that to get the kinnow industry out of the current crisis, the government should provide financial assistance on the export of kinnow to minimize the losses. He also stressed the need to negotiate with Iran to get the Iranian market opened for the export of 80,000 tons of Pakistani kinnow which can assist in neutralizing the lower exports to other international markets.

He also requested the government of Punjab to focus on developing new varieties of citrus. He added that to reduce the cost of production for the growers, there is a need to provide financial assistance to the farmer on fertilizers, pesticides and other agriculture inputs.

Source: Pro Pakistani