RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Despite unfavorable circumstances and various tough challenges, Pakistan exported record some 370,000 metric tons Kinnow during this year.

The export of Kinnow commenced from December 2017 and was continued till beginning of May 2018. During the current season of this year, Kinnow has witnessed an ever highest export volume of 370,000 metric tons leading to generation of huge foreign exchange of $222 million for the country compared to some 325,000 metric tons Kinnow exports in the last season.

According to Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) and Vice President FPCCI the Kinnow export volume is ever highest during any season of this fruit and the FPCCI has played a vital role enabling the PFVA not only to achieve the export target of Kinnow but also attain an ever highest export volume.

With consistent support of the FPCCI, the PFVA raised issue of unrealistic high valuation of Pakistani Kinnow in the Russian market before the concerned Pakistani & Russian Authorities in an effective manner with logical argument and consequently the Russian expressed willingness to reduce valuation, he added.

The extensive efforts were made by the PFVA against quota system by the Indonesian government on import of Pakistani Kinnow resulted in withdrawal of quota system by the Indonesia. This move also played a significant role in export enhancement of Kinnow, he informed.

The FPCCI also fully supported PFVA’s demand of $ 250 per container Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) to Russia enabling Pakistani exporters to compete in this international market which has certainly assisted in enhancement of export of Kinnow.

“Excellent crop of Kinnow in Pakistan this year with simultaneous low production of the fruit by big producer of Kinnow-Morocco, also provided yet an opportunity in enhancement of export to the Russian market, Waheed shared.

For the last seven consecutive years, the export of Kinnow to the Iranian market having volume potential of 60,000 to 80,000 tons remained suspended, however import permits were issued by Iran on eve of “Noroz” festival, but due to limited time period, logistic issues and difficulties in financial transactions, this temporary opportunity could not be availed by Pakistani exporters, he informed.

According to Waheed Ahmed, the Kinnow industry of Pakistan is faced with internal & external challenges and stiff competition in international market with Turkey & Morocco in terms of quality and price.

“Changes in climatic conditions and lack of Research & Development facilities in Pakistan is taking its toll by casting serious negative impact on production of Kinnow and reduction in its shelf life,” he mentioned.

The Kinnow trees in Pakistan have already completed their life cycle and hence lost endurance to resist against diseases and thus Kinnow orchards having such trees are already suffering from various diseases.

He showed concerns that since new orchards of this fruit are not being planted, its feared that Kinnow industry and its export would sustain huge losses in near future. Since Punjab is hub of Kinnow production, it’s imperative that the government of Punjab must pay serious attention to initiate R&D activities so as to improve quality of the fruit, he added.

By safeguarding Kinnow against diseases and with exploration of new varieties of Citrus fruits, the Kinnow industry can be enlisted in the giant industries of one billion club through value-addition

He also highlighted that issue of higher valuation of Pakistani Kinnow and said that Kinnow continues facing issue of “High Valuation” from the Russian customs’ authorities leading to higher cost of Pakistani Kinnow in this important international market. “The actual value of Pakistani Kinnow is $ 6-7 per 10 kg while Russian authorities assess it at $ 9.5 per 10 kg while after February the valuation will be revised upward to $ 10.5 per 10 kg making it even more difficult to compete,” Waheed mentioned.

The PFVA has raised voice on this important issue before Pakistani and Russian authorities while Pakistani diplomats posted at Russia & MoC also rendered assistance and as a result of that the Russian authorities have shown willingness for reduction in valuation, however due to non-affirmation of Valuation by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), this serious issue still remains unresolved, he added.

Pakistan can export fruits & vegetables to big market of China availing unique opportunity of CPEC which provides an easy accessible route to China via road. However, due to unsuitable quality of Kinnow for the Chinese market; Pakistan is unable to take full advantage of this opportunity. With co-ordained efforts, the quality of Pakistani Kinnow can be further improved and in next three years 50,000 – 80,000 tons can easily be exported to China, he informed.