Pakistan kinnows on tree

Pakistan is on track to meet its target for citrus exporters, with Russia placing itself as a major market for Pakistani kinnows.

Chairman of research & development, All Pakistan Fruit, Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchant Association (PFVA) Waheed Ahmed, said 40 per cent of the 240,000 tonnes of Pakistani kinnow exports were being shipped to Russia this season.

Ahmed told the Business Recorder that an expected 30,000-40,000 tonnes of kinnows would be exported in the coming month, helping the country to meet its target.

The country is aiming for 300,000 tonnes of citrus to be exported, valued at US$200m, with the Russian embargo on select produce from Western countries benefiting Pakistan’s horticultural export industry.

The Pakistani kinnow season wraps up towards the end of March, with the 2014/15 season coinciding with retail promotions at supermarkets in Malaysia and Singapore