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SARGODHGA, Dec 31 (APP): An important meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Sargodha, Captain (retd) Muhammad Waseem, to review the issues faced by kinnow growers and assess the situation of the current season.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Kinnow Growers Association, exporters, mill owners, and officers from relevant departments. Participants included Director Agriculture Shahid Hussain, Chief Scientist of the Citrus Research Institute, Deputy Director Agriculture, representatives of EDAA, Secretary Market Committee, Assistant Commissioner Bhalwal Mudassar Mumtaz, Assistant Commissioner Kot Momin Akhtar Malik, along with representatives of kinnow growers and exporters.
Briefing the meeting, Director Agriculture Shahid Hussain said that favourable weather conditions this year had positively impacted the kinnow crop, resulting in improved production. However, he noted that farmers were facing serious marketing difficulties due to the closure of border routes. He added that approximately 690,000 metric tonnes of kinnow were exported last year.
Addressing the participants, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Waseem assured that farmers would not be allowed to incur losses under any circumstances, stressing that the Punjab government stood firmly with the farming community. He said the responsibility of managing the situation should be shared by all stakeholders rather than placing the entire burden on growers.
The deputy commissioner directed mill owners to extend full cooperation to farmers and cautioned against creating the impression that last year’s rates would not be offered or that unjustifiably low prices would be fixed. After hearing the mill owners’ viewpoint, he instructed all stakeholders to arrive at a workable and fair solution through mutual consultation.
He further directed all parties to prepare and submit a fair and data-backed pricing formula within two to three days. To ensure fact-based decision-making, he ordered that average kinnow export data be obtained from the Customs Department.
The deputy commissioner also instructed scientists of the Citrus Research Institute to develop and promote informational material highlighting the nutritional value and health benefits of kinnow to boost local consumption. He emphasised resolving issues through dialogue and consensus.
It was further decided that representatives of kinnow juice factories would be invited to the next meeting to explore ways to enhance consumption, while exporters were advised to focus on alternative international markets beyond Afghanistan.
Concluding the meeting, the deputy commissioner directed the Kinnow Growers Association and mill owners to jointly formulate a comprehensive plan of action that safeguards farmers’ interests while ensuring mutual benefit for all stakeholders.