Citrus is grown globally in more than 140 countries. Kinnow is the common citrus variety grown in Pakistan. It is known for its sweet fresh taste, tender texture and juicy fruit. It is one the top export items of the country.
Citrus: Key
facts
·
In Pakistan, citrus fruits are grown on an area of
approximately 160,000 hectares with an annual production of 1.5 million metric
tons (MMT).
·
Pakistan produces approximately 2.6 million tons of
non-GMO citrus annually.
·
Pakistan ranks 12th in the world in terms of citrus
production.
·
Pakistan citrus particularly kinnow is valued
globally for its ease of peeling, high juice content, delicious taste,
attractive color, and nutritional richness.
·
Oranges account for more than half of the global
citrus output and represent over 40 percent of world citrus exports.
·
About one-third of the citrus fruit produced worldwide
is used for processing.
·
Major citrus-producing countries include China,
Brazil, and the United States of America.
·
The average lifespan of a citrus tree is 50 years or
more.
CHALLENGES
i. Storage Issues
Primary challenge
surrounding post-harvest management of citrus is storage. Storage facilities
are crucial for maintaining fruit quality and preventing economic losses to the
farmer community.
ii. Transportation
Transporting citrus fruits, especially over long
distances, poses burstiness challenges. To maintain quality assurance, investing in transportation is
important.
SOLUTIONS
·
Modern cold storage facilities in transportation keeps
the ripening process slow and extends the shelf life.
·
Regulation of oxygen and carbon dioxide also improves
shelf life and reduces post-harvest losses.
·
Efficient packaging not only prevents burstiness of
citrus/ kinnow but also helps to keep the fruit fresh and maintains quality.
·
Upgrading
transportation infrastructure is also
effective to reduce
transit times and minimizing the impact of environmental factors. Improved
roads and logistics can significantly enhance the efficiency of citrus
transportation.
Quality Control Measures
·
Sorting and grading process is of key significance to
ensure that high quality fruits are delivered to market which meet customer
expectations and increase market value.
·
Implementation of integrated pest management technique
to reduce use of harmful chemical and promoting sustainable & organic agriculture
also improves the quality.
·
Export demand can be increased through following international
standards for production, processing, packaging and enhancing international
partnerships.
These
steps are crucial for expanding the footprint of Pakistani citrus in global
markets.
Role of Technology in Enhancing Post-Harvest
Practices
·
Use of Internet of Things (IoT)
devices allows real-time monitoring of storage conditions.
·
Use of data analytics for predictive
maintenance enhances the efficiency of post-harvest operations.
·
Training sessions of local farmers about the importance
of sustainable post-harvest practices, skills at farm & processing, use of
technology, improvement of storages & transport facilities will have positive
impact of post-harvest management and quality fruit production.
·
Sustainable practices such as use of renewable energy
and efficient waste disposal contribute to conservation of resources and environment.
·
Use of early harvesting methods can reduce the risk of
over-ripening during transportation and storage. This can save time and fruit
can be harvested at optimal maturity level.
Conclusion
Citrus is on the top
export commodity for Pakistan, investment in post-harvest management in this
value chain, quality product is available for export.
