KARACHI: Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) is stepping up efforts to strengthen the country’s citrus exports by equipping farmers with advanced post-harvest management techniques.

In a recent webinar, the PHDEC brought together citrus growers, researchers and industry experts to address challenges such as declining yields and quality issues that have hindered export growth. The session focused on improving orchard management practices to enhance fruit quality and boost productivity.

Pakistan produces around 2.4 million metric tonnes of citrus annually, with kinnow being the dominant variety. However, export volumes have been impacted by insect infestations, disease outbreaks and limited adoption of good agricultural practices.

As the current harvest season wraps up, the PHDEC underscored the importance of preparing orchards for the next cycle to ensure better yields. The webinar featured insights from Malik Abdul Rehman, an expert from the Citrus Research Institute in Sargodha, who provided guidance on pruning techniques, pest control, nutrition management and irrigation strategies. The initiative reflects the PHDEC’s broader push to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global citrus market by addressing post-harvest inefficiencies and improving export-quality standards.