Citrus is number one fruit in terms of area, production and export. Pakistan is among top 10 citrus producing countries of the world. The average production in 2004 stood at 1.76 million tons on 0.176 million hectares.

The share of Punjab in area and production is about 94 and 96 per cent, respectively. Citrus Reticulata (Kinno) accounts for about 60 per cent of the total production.

According to an estimate, approximately 95 per cent of Kinno produced worldwide is grown in Pakistan. Its share in total export is more than 90 per cent which in 2003-04 was 0.149 million tons worth Rs1,771.34 million. Kinno accounts for 42 per cent of the volume of all fruits exported.

A study has revealed that the exporters either purchase Kinno from Beoparies (middleman); directly from farmers; or from their own orchards. They then process the commodity and finally export it to different destinations. Major export is through Beoparies.

The produce is sent to processing factories generally in 20 or 40kg plastic containers. It is washed, dried, waxed and dried again, graded, packed and labelled through mechanical process.

Perishable commodities require proper packing to retain its taste, value, attractiveness and longer shelf life. Therefore, these are packed in either cardboard or wooden boxes.

After packing, the fruit is transported to Karachi either in trucks or refrigerated containers for shipment to different destinations. The majority 67 per cent exporters use refrigerated containers. However, shortage and high rentals are major hurdles. In many cases, the drivers switch off refrigeration to save diesel which affects the quality of fruit. Similarly, freight charges of shipping companies too are very high.

The following factors are identified as major constraints to export:

Exporters complain deterioration in the quality of Kinno due to disease and insect pest problems. Poor crop management practices such as planting, pruning, fertilization, irrigation, spraying by the resource-starved small and medium orchard owners compound their worries.

The socio-economic conditions have widened the gap between the production practices and the recommended techniques among farmers.

The survey revealed poor conditions at Kinno processing factories resulting in poor quality produce with less value in international market.

Cold storage facilities were found poor. Only 30 per cent were found to have their own storage facility in limited capacity. Generally exporters and traders make use of traditional cold stores available near fruit market.

The glut of the commodity during high production periods results in wastage due to outdated cold storages and their inflated rents.

Inferior packing material makes it unable for cardboard boxes to sustain weight pressure. This loosens the packing thus affecting the quality of fruit fetching low prices in international market.

Due to shortage of containers only few companies ensure proper temperature. Fluctuations in temperature affect the quality.

Freight charges of shipping companies are high during the season which impacts the pockets of small exporters.

There is a lack of coordination, and duplication of activities among different government agencies involved in boosting export. The government policies are inconsistent as three years back export in wooden crates was banned which now again is allowed.

There are regional blocks as well as trade agreements among exporting countries.

Suggestions:

The public sector promotion agencies should play their role in boosting exports. They should arrange training programmes employing modern tutoring aids for exporters. Delegations are sent to foreign countries while ignoring the small and medium exporters. The timing of such exhibitions should be considered which is also very important. Export-friendly and consistent policies should be framed. The short, medium, and long term goals should provide support to line departments. The progress should be monitored and the shortfalls looked into.

Fruits and vegetables should be processed through a cool chain to preserve and prolong its shelf life. The infrastructure required for cold storage, cool transport and processing is the top priority for the development of this sector. Private sector should be encouraged to invest in this area.

Kinno transportation should not be allowed in open trucks and non-refrigerated containers. Moreover, export by sea launches should be banned to ensure quality. Illegal export should be strictly checked.

Quality standards should be developed. These should be monitored and supervised. The Kinno export quality standards are either non-existent or are not implemented in letter and spirit.

To promote Kinno export, the government should give incentives to leading and upcoming exporters.