Kinnow exports begin in Pakistan

Exports of kinnow began to flow out of Pakistan at the beginning of December. Roshan Enterprises, one of the leading growers and shippers of kinnow in Pakistan, is expected to ship about 11,000 metric tons of the fruit this season.

"We started harvesting kinnow on November 25, and shortly after we began packing and loading containers at sea ports," said Sehrish Mahmood, business coordinator for Roshan. "We will do our best to serve our customers of Europe, the Far East and Middle East." The full list of export destinations includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Canada and countries throughout Europe.

"We hope to double our production next season with the help of our research and development department," said Mahmood. "New techniques and technologies will help us capture new markets, and traceability techniques will help us fulfil the requirements of receiving countries." Only a few Pakistani exporters were allowed into Russia last year, but with the ban on European fruit, Mahmood thinks Roshan, and other Pakistani exporters, will be allowed to send their fruit there.

"The European Union banned Indian mangos and gave a warning to Pakistani mango exporters," explained Mahmood. "So all government organizations and exporters joined to take immediate steps to prevent any damage to the economy of Pakistan." That included tightening up farm management, improving traceability and maintaining packhouses. For its part, Roshan added a hot water treatment plant to ensure its fruit would be accepted in European countries.