"The initial reports about the kinnow crop from the growing areas are encouraging and positive without any threat to kinnow crop," officials of Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Board (PHDEB) express their optimism on the basis of reports about kinnow crop.
They said that due to the expected bumper kinnow production, the kinnow export target has also been set higher compared to the last year with the exploration of new markets for Pakistani kinnow, which is recognised internationally.
The kinnow export target has been increased from 125,000 tons last year to 200,000 tons this year. While a few shipments have been exported in this season, however, the export of kinnow will peak in mid-November when the fruit will be matured and suitable for export.
Officials told Business Recorder that apart from traditional markets of Pakistani kinnow, the addition of Iranian market is an added-advantage to Pakistani kinnow exporters, which offers a vast potential.
It may be recalled that Pakistan and Iran signed an agreement for export of mango and kinnow from Pakistan to Iran in February this year during a visit of Prime Minister Aziz to Iran.
Besides, Iranian market, possibilities are also being explored to export the kinnow to countries of Eastern Europe, officials disclosed adding that good potential exists for Pakistani product in this part of the world.
Referring to another development, they pointed out that Iran has also relaxed quarantine requirements for import of kinnow from Pakistan, which would help a lot in increasing its export to Iran.