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LAHORE, Jul 22 (APP):Punjab Minister for Agriculture & Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, chaired the third meeting of the Chief Minister Punjab Citrus Development Task Force at Agriculture House on Tuesday, where key initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for citrus revival were reviewed.
The meeting was attended by Vice Convener Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha, Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo and other senior officials.
Minister Kirmani emphasised that citrus, especially kinnow, is Punjab’s signature fruit, but climate change, diseases, and reduced fruit quality have led to declining productivity and exports. To address this, the Punjab government has launched a comprehensive Rs. 1.2 billion Citrus Revival Programme under the Chief Minister’s Kisan Package. The programme focuses on establishing certified nurseries, introducing modern agricultural technologies, expanding exports, and supporting farmers through technical assistance.
Key initiatives include the creation of a Citrus Park, integration of citrus orchards with the Kisan Card platform, and employment of 100 interns and 100 professionals annually over three years. The government plans to bring private fruit nurseries under a legal framework and link them with diagnostic laboratories. The Bank of Punjab’s Rs. 30 million loan scheme for establishing citrus nurseries was welcomed as a boost to agribusiness.
The minister stressed the need for a robust value chain, third-party verification, and daily monitoring of institutional performance. Model citrus farms will be developed on 50 acres each in Sargodha and Toba Tek Singh, while a mobile App will be launched to support certified nursery registration and monitoring.
Efforts are also underway to strengthen the Citrus Research Institute in Sargodha and build research capacity to introduce better seed varieties and techniques. The upcoming Punjab Fruit and Vegetable Board, approved by the CM, will offer strategic planning for citrus, olives, mangoes, and off-season vegetables across 800 acres in selected districts.
Secretary Agriculture Iftikhar Ali Sahoo said high-quality, disease-free citrus plants will be available at affordable prices and public-private partnerships will help establish modern orchards and processing units in Layyah, Pattoki, and other areas.
Vice Convener Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha noted that Pakistan’s citrus exports have declined from USD 200 million to USD 130 million, highlighting the urgency of improving varieties and providing technical support to farmers. The meeting concluded with directives for clear operational planning and enhanced farmer guidance.