Kinnow farmers have agreed to sell their produce at a rate of Rs1,600 per 40 kilograms for the 2026 export season after negotiations with fruit exporters and processing factories. The agreement was reached after a long meeting held under the supervision of the district administration.
The meeting, which lasted until late night, included farmer representatives, factory owners, and exporters. All parties agreed on the Rs1,600 per maund rate for the current week.
Farmer representatives appreciated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Captain (retd) Muhammad Waseem for stepping in at the right time and helping resolve the issue that had been pending for some time.
Factory owners and exporters also accepted the agreed rate, saying it would be reviewed in upcoming meetings depending on market conditions.
During the talks, exporters highlighted difficulties in exports, especially shipments to Afghanistan, which they said were affecting the market. The district administration assured them that these concerns would be shared with the relevant authorities.
Another meeting has been scheduled for next week to review the situation and decide future rates.
Earlier, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing citrus exports, especially kinnow. He said the government is introducing measures to support farmers, processors, and exporters by simplifying export procedures, improving quality standards, and finding new international markets.
The minister stressed that the Department of Plant Protection is playing a key role in meeting international sanitary and phytosanitary standards. He added that the government aims to protect existing markets while expanding exports to regions such as Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East, Africa, and the European Union.
He said the government wants to make Pakistani kinnow a globally recognised brand, with a focus not only on fresh fruit but also on value-added products like juices, concentrates, and essential oils.
