Pakistan hopes to export around 250,000 tonnes of kinnow mandarins, worth a potential US$150m during the 2012/13 season, according to the Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Association (PFVA).
Total production is estimated to be 20-25 per cent down on last year, and average fruit size is expected to be large, which suits the Asian market, the group said.
Quality is said to be “appropriate for exports”, despite a well-publicised Scab problem affecting groves in some growing areas after heavy monsoon rains.
“The Scab problem exists in a few areas, but will have no significant impact on quality and exports,” Waheed Ahmed, director of marketing at Pakistani kinnow export IAC, and recently-elected chairman of the PFVA, told Fruitnet.
“The PFVA is addressing the issue and is taking the necessary actions to minimise the problem.”
The association is also in negotiations with the government about setting up a national research and development facility to work on improving the quality of Pakistan’s produce, including kinnow mandarins, Ahmed added.
