By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The third meeting of the Chief Minister Punjab Citrus Development Task Force was held at Agriculture House, Lahore under the chairmanship of Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Minister for Agriculture & Livestock Punjab. Various proposals regarding citrus development were reviewed during the meeting. Vice Convener Citrus Development Task Force Punjab, Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, and Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, also attended.
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Speaking on the occasion, Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated that under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, steps are being taken for the revival and promotion of citrus fruits in the province. He emphasized that increasing citrus production is among the Punjab Government’s key priorities. Citrus, particularly kinnow, is recognized as a signature fruit of Punjab. However, due to climate change, citrus orchards are deteriorating, and plants are increasingly affected by diseases and viral infections, resulting in reduced fruit size and shorter shelf life.
He announced that initiatives are being taken for establishing a Citrus Park, linking citrus orchards with the Kisan Card platform, and employing 100 interns and 100 young professionals annually during the three-year project duration. He stressed the need to bring private fruit nurseries under a legal framework through registration and licensing, and to connect them with diagnostic laboratories. The Minister welcomed the Bank of Punjab’s initiative to introduce a loan scheme of Rs. 30 million per individual for setting up citrus nurseries, calling it a positive step for agribusiness.
He underlined the importance of enhancing citrus exports and improving the value chain to meet international standards. A substantial amount of Rs. 1.2 billion has been allocated under the Chief Minister’s Kisan Package for the revival of citrus, which aims to establish certified nurseries and new orchards, increase production and exports, and ultimately strengthen the national economy.
The Minister emphasised that the objective of the Citrus Revival Program is to produce certified plants through modern agricultural technologies and provide technical guidance to farmers. The government’s aim is to improve both yield and quality through certified citrus plants.
Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani directed that a comprehensive strategy be developed to reduce post-harvest losses of citrus and that farmers be guided on timely pruning techniques. He noted that funds are being provided to make the Citrus Research Institute Sargodha more active and to build the capacity of human resources in research and development, so that improved seed varieties and modern techniques can be introduced to boost production. He added that government-run research institutes are being empowered to ensure effective implementation. Third-party verification and audit of the program will also be conducted. The Minister announced that targeted citrus revival programs will be launched on 50 acres each in Sargodha and Toba Tek Singh, where diseased orchards will be transformed into model farms. He said this program will be run through the Kisan Card platform and will serve as a major relief for farmers. He emphasized that a clear operational mechanism should be drafted to ensure daily monitoring of institutional performance. He also instructed the development of a mobile app to support the establishment of certified nurseries.
The Minister further stated that the Punjab Fruit and Vegetable Board is being established with the approval of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The board will provide strategic guidance for citrus planning and will also support improved production of citrus, olives, mangoes, and off-season vegetables. He added that these farms will be developed on 800 acres of land in Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh, and other districts.
Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo stated that the availability of high-quality and affordable citrus plants is being ensured, and priority actions are underway to control diseases in citrus orchards to increase productivity. The Punjab Government is working in partnership with various private organizations to establish modern citrus orchards and processing units, which will provide technical assistance to farmers and help enhance the quality and yield of citrus fruit. He added that nurseries in Layyah and Pattoki will also be included in this revival program.
Vice Convener Citrus Task Force Punjab Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha pointed out that Pakistan’s annual citrus exports have declined from USD 200 million to USD 130 million. He stressed the need for technical guidance for citrus growers and for introducing new and improved varieties of citrus.
The meeting was also attended by Special Secretary Agriculture Agha Nabeel Akhtar, Director General Agricultural Information Naveed Asmat Kahloon, DG Research Faisalabad Dr. Sajid-ur-Rehman, representatives of the Planning and Development Board, and other officials.
