Pakistan’s citrus industry expects another difficult export season, with kinno exports forecast at only 400,000 to 450,000 tonnes for 2025–26.
The expected volume remains far below the country’s export potential of nearly 800,000 tonnes. According to exporters, higher freight charges, border complications, and limited government support continue to hinder the industry’s progress.
Sources say exports for the previous season stayed close to 350,000 to 400,000 tonnes, with Russia, Indonesia, the UAE, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Central Asian countries being the main buyers.
This season, exporters expect slightly better results due to improved fruit size and quality, especially in Sargodha but overall volumes are still likely to stay restricted.
Large kinno grower and former MPA Faisal Cheema said that despite a strong harvest this year, growers cannot access markets properly.
He pointed out that border delays, particularly on the Afghan side and a recent goods transport strike caused shipment issues, container shortages, and cancelled export orders.
Prices in the domestic market have also declined sharply. As the Dubai season opened, large kinnow sold above Rs. 120 per kg.
However, by mid-December, rates for large fruit dropped to nearly Rs. 75 per kg while smaller fruit fell to Rs. 35 to Rs. 40 per kg. Factories have slowed operations, reducing daily intake and damaging orchards due to repeated picking delays.
Industry leader Sajid Tarar warned that many factories have closed or are operating at half capacity due to border restrictions. He added that instability in Afghan markets and cold storage shortages risk heavy financial losses for growers.
Growers and exporters are urging the government to find new markets, resolve border issues and support logistics to protect jobs and strengthen export revenue.