STAFF REPORT ISB: Despite a complete ban by Iran on the import of Pakistani Kinnow and impact of temporary ban imposed by Russia on the import of fruits/vegetables from Pakistan last year, the country would surpass the 300,000 metric tons (MT) Kinnow export target.
“Since the season is still on, a further export of 15,000 MT to 20,000 MT is expected by the end of April,” spokesman and former chairman, All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) Waheed Ahmed told the media.
According to him, exporters have exported over 305,000 MT Kinow worth $180 million so far despite the fact that almost 50 percent of the crop was badly affected by the climatic change in the country. The production of Kinnow this year was at least 2,100,000 MT.
Beside the climatic hazards, door to Iranian market remained completely closed for the countrys fruits causing the loss of over 80,000 MT worth exports this year. However, an export of 40,500 MT was made to Indonesia with an increase of 15 percent following the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed by the two countries, Waheed said.
This year, he said, Kinnow was exported to the traditional and non-traditional buyers including united Kingdom, Canada, Philippine, Netherlands Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern and Asian countries.