Import of seedless Kinnow plants to boost Kinnow exports
The President Sargodha Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Khawaja Yasir Qayyum, has called on the federal government to permit the import of seedless Kinnow plants to boost Kinnow exports. He stated that the Kinnow industry is struggling due to reduced international demand for seeded Kinnows. Seedless Kinnow baskets are currently sold for $10 in foreign markets, while Pakistani Kinnow baskets sell for only $3, despite high demand for seedless varieties. Our Kinnow industry contributes $300 million in annual export revenue and directly or indirectly employs 3 to 4 million people. However, the current Kinnow plant, imported from California in 1920, now faces challenges like various diseases, skin blemishes, and reduced per-acre yield, significantly impacting Kinnow exports.
