The federal government has pledged stronger support to farmers, processing factories and exporters to expand Pakistan’s citrus exports, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said in Islamabad. He highlighted targeted measures by the Department of Plant Protection to align the sector with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
The Department of Plant Protection is working to harmonize procedures with global SPS requirements so that Pakistani kinnow and other citrus products can gain reliable access to established and emerging markets, including Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East, Africa and the European Union. These efforts are intended to raise the profile of Pakistan in competitive export markets and to protect export consignments from unnecessary barriers.
To streamline trade, DPP has scaled back redundant pesticide testing on export consignments and opened registration pathways for new exporters targeting Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states. Officials say these steps will diversify market options and create greater commercial opportunities for growers and exporters while maintaining food safety standards.
Longer term measures include official recognition of the Citrus Research Institute’s post-entry quarantine facilities, enabling the introduction of disease-resistant and seedless kinnow varieties that promise higher yields and stronger market appeal. A temporary DPP office in Sargodha, Pakistan’s primary kinnow production hub, has been established to provide on-the-spot support and expedite clearance of export shipments.
Recent diplomatic engagement with a Russian delegation in Islamabad underlined the government’s push to expand bilateral trade links for citrus exports. Additional accredited laboratories have also been approved to speed up testing and certification, reducing delays that can affect shelf life and market competitiveness.
Officials stressed that the strategy goes beyond fresh fruit. The government is promoting seedless kinnow and value-added products such as juice, concentrate and essential oils to capture higher margins in international markets. Training workshops and capacity-building programs are being held to equip farmers and exporters with modern techniques and quality compliance required for export growth.
Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated that by facilitating exporters, introducing improved varieties and opening new markets, the government aims to build a credible global brand for Pakistani citrus. The combined reforms are expected to accelerate citrus exports while benefiting rural producers and the wider agribusiness sector.
