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SARGODHA, Jan 29 (APP):Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Khawaja Yasir Qayyum has stressed effective and practical government-level measures to address the issues faced by kinnow growers, exporters, and factory owners.
He expressed these views while addressing a webinar titled “From Orchard to Market: Best Practices in Post-Harvest Management of Citrus”, organized by the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) on Thursday.
SCCI President said that increasing kinnow production and exports would not only benefit farmers but also significantly strengthen the national economy.
He noted that although the government is taking steps to enhance kinnow production, boost exports, and resolve growers’ issues, there is a strong need for effective implementation of these policies at the grassroots level so that growers, factory owners, and exporters can benefit equally.
On the occasion, Malik Abdul Rehman, expert from the Citrus Research Institute (CRI), Sargodha, delivered a detailed presentation highlighting modern and effective practices related to harvesting at optimum maturity, proper picking methods, field handling, grading, packaging, storage, and cold chain management.
He warned that even minor negligence during post-harvest stages could lead to substantial financial losses.
PHDEC Consultant Agro Dr. Azeem also addressed the webinar, sharing insights on geometric planting design and modern high-density planting techniques.
He explained that adopting these methods can significantly increase per-acre yield and shared his personal success stories related to high-density planting.
At the conclusion of the session, SCCI President Khawaja Yasir Qayyum paid tribute to PHDEC for successfully organizing the webinar and stressed that close coordination among growers, factory owners, exporters, and government institutions is essential to strengthen the citrus value chain.