Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has emphasized the government’s firm commitment to boosting Pakistan’s agricultural exports through value addition, innovation, and quality enhancement — particularly in the citrus sector.
The Minister noted that citrus, especially Kinnow mandarin, holds a crucial place in Pakistan’s export portfolio, and restoring its global competitiveness remains a top priority for the Ministry of Commerce. “Our focus is on strengthening the entire value chain — from farm to foreign markets by promoting modern agricultural practices, ensuring compliance with international standards, and improving logistics infrastructure,” he said.
He made these remarks in reference to the recent participation of the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) at the Agri Expo Sargodha (October 7–8). During the event, PHDEC organized a technical workshop titled “Enhancing Citrus Quality and Export Competitiveness: Pest and Disease Control Measures, Harvest and Post-Harvest Management, and Effective Logistics Solutions.”
The workshop drew a large number of citrus growers, exporters, and researchers. Experts from the Citrus Research Institute (CRI), Sargodha, provided practical guidance on pest and disease management, harvest techniques, and post-harvest handling to enhance fruit quality and minimize export losses. PHDEC also distributed Urdu-language booklets to help farmers implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and adopt modern orchard management methods.
To support temperature-controlled exports, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) presented its reefer container transport solutions and logistics framework for the upcoming citrus export season beginning in December.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, saying that partnerships between farmers, exporters, and government bodies are essential for building a strong, competitive, and sustainable horticulture export base. “Pakistan has the natural potential; now we must focus on quality, consistency, and global competitiveness,” he added.
PHDEC reaffirmed its commitment to continue working under the Ministry of Commerce to strengthen Pakistan’s citrus value chain and ensure that the country’s agricultural exports align with international standards and global market demands.
