Seedless mandarins from Pakistan could soon be heading for European markets following a breakthrough in production in the country, with reports suggesting the fruit could hit the bloc by 2011.
According to officials at the commercial wing of the Pakistan High Commission, the production of seedless mandarins is the result of a partnership between the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology, the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, the Citrus Research Institute of the Punjab Government and Sunder Agricultural and Fruit Farm, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
Meanwhile, the country is anticipating a bumper mandarin crop this season, and is expected to compete against the likes of Egypt and Morocco in Europe and elsewhere.
Exports of the fruit begin in November and run through until April, with 290,000 tonnes heading for export this season. Pakistan produces 65 per cent of the world's mandarin volumes.
