Iranian ban on Pakistani kinnow may inflict $40 million loss

The ban imposed by Iran on the import of Pakistani Kinnow two years back, if not lifted immediately, may inflict a loss of $40 million in terms of revenue, according to All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) spokesman, Waheed Ahmed. Prior to the closure of Iranian market, Pakistan used to export 70 to 80 thousand tons of Kinnow to that country every year.
About the ban imposed by Russia on the import of fruits and vegetable from Pakistan, he said, hopefully it would be lifted by December 10. Negotiations in this regard are in advanced stage both at government and PFVA level and a decision in favour of Pakistan is likely to be taken soon, he added.
Pakistan exported 80 to 90 thousand tons of Kinnow worth around 56 million dollars until last year when suddenly Russian government announced a ban a few months back on the ground that the fruit did not meet the sanitary and phyto-sanitary requirements. A Russian delegation is likely to visit Pakistan in January next to examine as to how far quarantine requirements are being adhered to here so that export of 'Aaloo' from Pakistan could be allowed. The country could fetch a handsome amount of foreign exchange in case exports of 'Aaloo' are allowed by Russia, he said.
Waheed Ahmed said that PFVA has set 300,000 tones export target for Kinnow this year. The association had exported at least 235,000 tones Kinnow worth $140 million last year against the fixed target of 200,000 tones. He said that export of Kinnow will start by December 1. Production of the fruit is expected to be 2,100,000 tones this year against the previous figure of 1,800,000 tones. However the crop is likely to be damaged in some areas which may slightly affect the overall production.
Increase in the target by 100,000 tones this year has been estimated mainly because of an expected jump in exports to Russia and Indonesia. The export figure of 300,000 tonnes may even be crossed if the Iranian market is tapped followed by an expected relaxation in banking process after the improving relations between Iran and the US. He said that Pakistan would earn at least $180 million revenue if the targeted export of 300,000 tones Kinnow is met this year.
On the other hand, Waheed feared, the cost of exports is expected to increase by 15 to 20 percent due to hike in petroleum prices, impacting on the cost of transportation, logistic, packaging, labour and products. This would also create a stiff competition with rival countries producing the same fruit, in the international market. It was encouraging; he said that after signing preferential trade agreement with Indonesia, exports are expected to take a jump this year as it is a market of 40,000 tones after Russia and Iran.
Waheed has however linked the export target with favourable law and order situation in the country and close co-operation among exporters, shipping companies, quarantine department, customs and other concerned government organisations. Exports had suffered huge losses due to long strikes of goods transporters.

News Source: Business Recorder    News Collected: agrinfobank.com Team

Temporary move: Russia lifts ban on kinnow imports

Russia – one of the biggest markets for Pakistani kinnow – temporarily lifted the ban from Pakistani Kinnow imports for this season, fruit exporters said.

The Russian government imposed the ban on Pakistani agriculture imports a couple of months ago over concerns of fruit and vegetable diseases. The removal of the ban is the result of an extensive talk between the two governments. Nevertheless, the restriction on import of potato from Pakistan would remain intact until the phyto-sanitary issues are resolved.

The Russian team will visit Pakistan in January 2014 to inspect the facilities and quarantine methods and practices. The team will see safety measures in place for diseases in the country. Exporters say Pakistan may lose the major market if Russian market is not open this season.

News Source: Tribune    News Collected: agrinfobak.com Team

Kinnow: Pakistan may lose Russian market

Pakistan may lose one of its most profitable Kinnow markets, Russian market, and suffer heavily in case Russian government does not rescind its decision by December 1, banning import of fruits and vegetables from Pakistan. The ban was imposed by Russian government a few months back as the quality of fruits and vegetables did not meet the laid down sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) conditions.
According to fruit and vegetable exporters, Pakistan's department of plant protection should immediately lay down its quarantine policy in consultation with Russian authorities so that the quality of horticulture products could be improved.
The ban would impact on the export of around 50,000 ton Kinnow if the same is not lifted as the season has started and exporters are getting ready to ship the fruit to various markets.
They said that Russia is a good market for Pakistan's fruits and vegetables, particularly Kinnow but in order to increase the volumes, they need to reduce the trust deficit and establish banking channels between the two countries.
Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of National Food and Security must take cognisance of this alarming situation and raise the issue at diplomatic level as the ban may cause colossal loss to country's economy at this crucial juncture, they said.
A bumper Kinnow crop is expected during 2013-2014 and according to preliminary estimates the production might touch 2.1 to 2.3 million ton.
This year Kinnow will be shipped to Indonesia at zero percent duty as Indonesian government has allowed Pakistani Kinnow to be shipped to Tanjung port, Jakarta. The activation of PTA followed the signing of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on plant quarantine and sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures between Pakistan and Indonesia wherein Indonesia officially acknowledged Pakistan as pest-free area for Kinnow.
Ministry of Commerce may initiate kinnow export agreement at zero percent duty with Thailand following the visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Talking to Business Recorder, acting CEO of Harvest Trading, Azam Ishaque said currently Thai market is not open for Pakistani fruits but due to our geo-economic position Kinnow may easily serve the consumption volumes in ASEAN region.
Thailand is a trading nation and the exchange of business delegations could be a better option for exploring areas of common interest. Thailand has recently been recognised as the `world kitchen' owing to the plenty of food resources as well as the continuous success in development in food industry. Pakistan could benefit from Thailand in processing of food to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables to curtail post harvest losses.
In this regard, Azam Ishaque suggested that both countries may set-up a joint committee on agriculture and share the concepts of modern technologies in agricultural systems for the improvement of agricultural productions such as crop yield, livestock production, aquaculture production and sustainable agriculture.

News Source: Business Recorder                                                                                         News Collected: agrinfobank.com Team

Pakistan urged to tap global seedless citrus market

Thursday, July-11-2013

Pakistan should promote production of seedless citrus, which are in high demand globally, in a bid to grab the international market where citrus with seeds are discouraged.

This issue came up for discussion in a meeting of the board of directors of Endowment Funds Secretariat, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) here on Wednesday. The meeting was presided over by UAF Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.

In the meeting, a UAF project was approved under which seedless plants would be cultivated on the orchards of farmers for demonstration in five districts of Punjab including Faisalabad, Sargodha and Toba Tek Singh. Ten farmers will be selected from each district.

UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan underlined the need for technology transfer among farmers, which would help in increasing per acre production in the country.

Talking about edible oil, he expressed concern that Pakistan was importing edible oil worth a hefty $3 billion and called for promoting oilseed production by creating awareness among farmers.

UAF has developed a high-yielding canola oil seed named UAF-11 with the help of which the crop matures in four months with more oil content.

Talking about Basmati rice production, he argued that paddy crop needed high quantity of water, which was scarce in Pakistan and increased the cost of production. He called for a shift to other high-value crops like oilseed.

Farmers Associates Pakistan CEO Afaq Ahmad Tiwana stressed that transfer of technology among farmers would ensure food security in the country. He suggested developing new high-yielding varieties of crops, saying food security was the main area of concern that must be addressed by taking tangible steps.

Ayub Research Director General Dr Noorul Islam said average wheat production in Punjab was 28 maunds per acre, which vary from area to area as in Chakwal the production was 10 maunds per acre and in Bhakkar 16 maunds per acre.

He asked farmers to grow high-value crops keeping in view the climate and rain patterns, country’s needs and the international market.

News Source: The Express Tribune
News Collected by agrinfobank.com Team

Kinnow exporters to be provided more incentives

June 21, 2013

The government is optimistic about increasing the quantum of citrus fruit exports (especially Kino) and will devise a policy providing more incentives to exporters, Ministers of State Sheikh Aftab Ahmed said. He was replying to a call-attention notice moved by Mohsin Shah Nawaz Ranjha about inordinate delay in export of Kino.
The state minister said that the delay had occurred because exporters had decided in a meeting held on November 8 last year to stop the export of Kino. However, he said that the export had resumed on Decmber 1 last year. He said that Iran was a large buyer of Pakistani kino, adding that the country missed export target in 2012.

Source: http://www.brecorder.com

KINNOW MANDARIN: THE PREMIER CITRUS OF PAKISTAN

*Muhammad Shafique Khalid,** Aman Ullah Malik,* Samina Khalid,* Omer Hafeez and *M. Amin

* PhD Scholar, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

**Professor, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is one of the major citrus cultivars and is extensively grown in Pakistan. It was developed by H.B. Frost at California as hybrid (F1 generation) between King and Willow leaf during 1915; released in 1935 and was introduced in sub continent during 1943-44. The first plantation in Pakistan was made at Experimental Fruit Garden of Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute Lyallpur (now University of Agriculture, Faisalabad). Since its introduction, it has flourished well under the agro-ecological conditions of Punjab, Pakistan. According to an estimate approximately 95% of the world Kinnow is being produced in Pakistan (Anonymous, 2011). The Kinnow fruit of Pakistan possesses superior taste, flavor and aroma and competes well with other citrus cultivars in qualitative and nutritive attributes as under:

Ø Kinnow grown in Pakistan is naturally coloured, no chemical degreening is needed.

Ø The fruit peel off very easily unlike other citrus members.

Ø Kinnow mandarin fruits have higher juice contents i.e. 53% as compared to other citrus varieties e.g. Grapefruit (48.50%), Blood Red (37.7%). Even Kinnow is juicier than Clementine mandarin.

Ø Kinnow has 18.59% more vitamin C as compared to Blood Red orange, 9.9% than Musambi and 6.65% than Grapefruit. Vitamin C protects against cancer by scavenging their causing compounds.

Ø As far as minerals contents (calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium) are concerned, Kinnow possess 11.11% more calcium than Grape fruit, 14.50% than Blood Red and 16.27% than Musambi. Similarly Kinnow has 10.73% higher Magnesium contents than Grapefruit, 14.19% than Blood Red and 15.87% than Musambi. Iron contents are also 7.93% greater in Kinnow than Grapefruit, 11.47% than Blood Red and 28.30% than Musambi.

Ø Kinnow mandarin is also loaded with photochemicals like antioxidants and phenolic compounds. Almost 16.18% high phenolic compounds are present in Kinnow as compared to Blood Red.

Ø Kinnow has about 16.14%, 6.05% and 47.02% higher antioxidant activity than that of Blood Red, Hamlin and Lemon respectively. These compounds are very important due to their antiallergic, anti inflammatory, anticancer and antiviral properties

Ø Kinnow mandarin is good source of Folic acid, β-carotene etc. Folic acid is recommended before and early pregnancy for healthy babies (avoiding neural tube defects). While β-carotene is important in immune response and also acts as antioxidant.

Ø Consumption of Kinnow fruits can provide sufficient quantities of pectin in diet as juice sac walls and capillary membranes are effective source of pectin. Pectin affects several metabolic and digestive processes most important of them are its affect on glucose absorption and maintaining cholesterol levels. Dietary fiber also reduces the chances of colon cancer by absorbing carcinogen in gastrointestinal tract.

Table 1: Biochemical profile of Kinnow mandarin of Pakistan

1. Juice (%age)^* 51-54

2. TSS ^oBrix^* 09-10.3

3. Acidity (%age)^* 0.55-1.0

4. Ascorbic acid (mg/100ml)^* 41-53

5. Total Sugars (%age)^* 7.2-7.5

6. Total phenolics compound (ppm) ^* 852-1059

7. Antioxidant activity (I %)^* 65-73

8. Calcium (mg/100ml)⁺ 0.750

9. Iron (mg/100ml)⁺ 0.338

10. Magnesium (mg/100ml)⁺ 7.48

SOURCE: ^*Khalid and Malik (unpublished data); ⁺Rashid, (2007);

Variation exists for different maturity stages

Table 2: Biochemical profile of other citrus varieties grown in Pakistan.

Grape fruit Blood Red Musambi

1. Juice (%age)^{** *} 48.50 37.70 54.0

2. TSS ^oBrix⁺ 7.50 10.0 10.5

3. Acidity (%age) ⁺ 1.39 0.55 0.32

4. Ascorbic acid (mg/100ml)⁺ 46.39 36.38 43.45

5. Total Sugars (%age) ⁺ 5.3 5.55 8.51

6. Total phenolics compound (ppm) ---- 255.0^** ----

7. Antioxidant activity (I %) ---- 49.1⁺⁺ ----

8. Calcium (mg/100ml) ⁺ 0.602 0.562 0.542

9. Iron (mg/100ml)⁺ 0.287 0.268 0.188

10. Magnesium (mg/100ml)⁺ 6.03 5.62 5.42

SOURCE: ⁺ Rashid, (2007); ^** Tounsi et al. (2010); ⁺⁺Scalzo et al. (2004); ^{** *}Ikhtiar et al. (2010)

Variation exists for different maturity stages

Table 2: Biochemical profile of citrus varieties grown in USA.

	Tangerine	Clementine	Navel	Valencia	Grapefruit	Lemon
Energy Kcal	53	47	49	49	32	29
Total lipids (g)	0.31	0.15	0.15	0.30	0.10	0.30
Carbohydrates(g)	13.34	12.02	12.54	11.89	8.08	9.32
Dietary fiber (g)	1.8	1.7	2.2	2.5	1.6	0.4
β Carotene (mcg)	155	----	87	----	552	3
α Carotene(mcg)	101	----	7	----	4	1
β Crytoxanthin, (mcg)	407	----	116	----	6	20
Vitamin A IU(IU)	681	----	247	230	927	22
Vitamin E (mg)	0.20	0.20	0.15	----	0.13	0.15
Folate (mcg)	16	----	34	39	10	11

SOURCE: USDA National Nutrient database (2010)

It is clearly concluded from above facts and figures that Tangerine including Kinnow has higher energy, carbohydrates, carotenes, Vitamins, Minerals contents (Ca, Mg and Iron), Juice percentage, Phenolics compound and Antioxidant activity than other citrus varieties grown nationally and internationally. Its distinguished features like natural color, easy peel, aroma, size and good blend of TSS to acidity ratio is an asset and worth for consumer attraction and export of Kinnow from the country.

References:
Anonymous, 2010. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agriculture research service data base for standard reference release 23. Available at: www.ars.usd.gov/ba/bhnrc/ndl. Date of retrieval: 25 Jan 2011.
Anonymous, 2011. All about Citrus. Available at: http://www.pakissan.com /english/allabout/ orchards/ citrus/index.shtml. Date of retrieval: 25 Jan 2011.
Khalid, S. and Malik, A.U. Fruit quality and storability of Kinnow mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) in relation to tree age. (Unpublished data).
Khan, I., Shah, Z., Saeed, M. and Shah, H. 2010. Phytochemical analysis of Citrus sinensis, Citrus reticulata and Citrus paradise. J. Chem. Soc. Pak., Vol. 32(6). 774-780.
Rashid, A. 2007. Evaluation of organic acids and mineral contents in citrus juices. M.Sc (Hons) Thesis, National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), University of Agricutlure, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Scalzoa, R.L., Iannoccari, T., Summa, C., Morelli, R. and Rapisarda, P. 2004. Effect of thermal treatments on antioxidant and antiradical activity of blood orange juice. Food Chem. 85, 41–47.
Tounsi, M. S., Wannes, W. A. Ouerghemmi, I. Jegham, S. Njima, Y. B., Hamdaoui, G. Zemnib, H. and Marzouka, B. 2011. Juice components and antioxidant capacity of four Tunisian Citrus varieties. J Sci Food Agric. 91: 142–151.

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Pakistan has commenced Kinnow export on 1st December

Pakistan has commenced kinnow export this year with the first consignment of 390 tonnes shipped to Sri Lanka and Dubai. The whole country started on the same day - December 1st, as the Ministry of Commerce prohibited earlier export.
According to Waheed Ahmed, Chairman, All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) at least 15 containers each have been sent to Dubai and Sri Lanka.
This year's production is expected to reach 1.8 million tonnes, a reduction of 20%. if Pakistan reaches its export target this year (0.2 million tonnes), international sales should generate in the region of $110 million.
Pakistan has lost an important market as US sanctions have made it difficult to export to Iran. There are hopes that increased trade with Indonesia will offset the loss of Iran.
Source: brecorder.com
Published on: 12/4/2012

Experts link kinnow industry growth with removal of middlemen

Horticulture experts have linked growth of the kinnow industry to the removal of middleman saying that exports of the citrus fruit could be enhanced manifold provided the farmers are provided direct benefit.

At present Pakistan is among the top 10 citrus growing countries in the world and the world export market for horticulture products is about $80 billion, in which Pakistan’s share is not up to mark.

The kinnow exports reached to $100 million in the fiscal year 2010-11,” Chief Executive Officer Harvest Tradings Ahmad Jawad said adding that the exports could be enhanced by strengthening input from farmers.

“The exports can be increased further if all the stake holders remove the role of middleman and strengthen the farmer input who is the real stakeholder of this emerging industry,” Jawad told APP.

Giving details about the citrus exports, Ahmad Jawad said about 200,000 metric tones of kinnow were exported during 2005-06, showing more than a 100 percent increment over the previous year’s exports.

In 2008-09, the kinnow exports were recorded at 177 million kilograms that climbed to 361 million kgs in 2009-10 earning $45.5 million in 2008-09 and $97.8 million in 2009-10.

The exports reached to $100 million in 2010-11, Jawad added.

Kinnow is known as a special variety of citrus fruit and due to unique climatic conditions it is grown in Pakistan, he said adding it has tremendous potential of export to many countries.
The CEO Harvest Tradings said so far Kinnow has already been introduced in more than 25 countries of the world adding its exports can further be increased by manifold if modern marketing techniques are applied.

The fruit is among the main exportable horticulture commodities from Pakistan.

Annual production of citrus on an average is estimated about 2 million-ton, of which 90 percent are kinnow, and export also reached to 360,625 tonnes.
Pakistan exports to Gulf States, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and CIS that are been supposed as traditional markets from many years.

East Europe, Iran, Indonesia and China are emerging markets, he said adding the export to Russian Federation reached 31,000 tonnes, Ukraine 5,000 tonnes and Iran 22,000 tonnes.
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) requirements of exports urge for strict compliance with international quality and health safety standards.

WTO also required best agricultural practices and dedicated production for specific markets both in terms of timely availability in particular tastes, size and colour.

“Therefore, the producers and processors need to upgrade their capacities and facilities to produce fruits of international standard, which is essential,” Jawad added.
He said that the tax relief and other support measures announced by the government over the past years in support of the horticulture crop production and agro industry development would also help to improve the competitiveness of the product and would fetch better prices but needs to continue.

He said that the government should declare horticulture as a priority sector and make efforts to improve the value chain and identifying new markets.

The provision of effective infrastructure such as dry ports, export zones, transportation hubs, etc is essential for the export growth, he said adding cold storage facilities are also basic need for cost effective marketing of perishable products, as they reduce post harvest losses and minimised health risks.

Cold storage facilities increase the shelf life of the product to make products available for longer time at selling stores.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2011