Pakistan's citrus industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with kinnow exports posting strong growth even after the closure of the crucial Afghan market. This success is attributed to swift government intervention and a strategic push to find new international buyers.
Swift Action Prevents Export Crisis
When exports to Afghanistan were disrupted, the Ministry of Commerce, working closely with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), moved quickly to support exporters. Their immediate focus was to redirect shipments to alternative markets and prevent financial losses for growers and exporters. This coordinated effort ensured that export shipments continued without major interruption.
Strong Financial Performance in Peak Season
The results of this proactive strategy are clear in the official figures. Pakistan earned approximately $40 million from kinnow exports in just 45 days, covering the peak export period of December and the first half of January. Exports maintained a steady pace throughout December, and the momentum continued strongly into the first two weeks of the new year.
Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, praised the collective effort. He highlighted that overcoming the loss of the Afghan market required a "whole-of-government and whole-of-sector approach." Khan acknowledged the dedication of the ministry's team, TDAP, Pakistan's trade missions abroad, and the exporters, growers, and logistics partners who worked tirelessly.
Diversification and Quality: Keys to Success
Officials credit the strong export performance to several key factors:
- Focused market outreach to regions like the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
- Enhanced trade facilitation and close engagement with exporters.
- A strict focus on meeting international quality and phytosanitary standards.
TDAP played a crucial role by promoting exports, coordinating with overseas missions, and assisting exporters with logistics and documentation. Improved coordination between federal authorities and the private sector helped maintain reliable shipment schedules, protecting Pakistan's reputation as a dependable citrus supplier.
This sustained export performance has provided vital foreign exchange earnings and boosted confidence across the entire kinnow value chain, from farmers to processors and exporters. Stakeholders view this resilience as a positive sign for Pakistan's broader agricultural export sector, reinforcing the government's commitment to export-led growth and market diversification under the commerce minister's stewardship.
