The U.S. Pakistan Partnership for Agricultural Market Development (AMD) Program is a four year USAID funded program implemented by CNFA in Pakistan. The objective of AMD is to support the development of Pakistan’s commercial agriculture, particularly through improving the ability of Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors to meet both international and domestic demand in targeted product lines.
Pakistan is among the top 15 citrus producing countries in the world, with 94% of kinnow production taking place in the areas of Sargodha, Bhalwal, Kot Momin, Silanwali, Shahpur, Sahiwal and Lalian. The Sargodha region has more than 120 kinnow processing plants which include a mix of grading, waxing, polishing and packing. In the 2012-13 harvest season, yields of exportable quality dropped by 30%. Paradoxically, initial data shows export tonnage increased in the 2013-14 season, indicative of a strong market; however total sales value decreased. The loss of value is attributed to the decrease in Grade A product in addition to competition in the traditional markets.
To revitalize citrus exports from a downward supply of productivity, enhance existing distribution channels, and increase incomes along the supply chain, AMD will partner with processors and exporters to provide embedded services to farmers through contract farming. Under the initiative, the processor will develop key personnel and the embedded services will include the provision of input supplies, equipment and best practices for citrus crop management to achieve higher crop yield, including preprogram planning and capacity building of labor in integrated crop management.
The AMD Program is technically assisting four progressive citrus processors and exporters in the Sargodha district from 2015-2019 on a cost sharing basis. These citrus processors have attained the International Standards Organization (ISO), BRC, HACCP and Global GAP certifications for the export of kinnow mandarin to high end international markets. As part of AMD’s assistance program, the Project aims to provide “Tractor Mounted Hydraulic Pruner” to these four processing units. The pruner will be extensively used for the canopy management and pruning of trees in efficient manners. The canopy management will enhance the quality of Kinnow-A grade, due to better aeration inside canopy and better light penetration for fruits color development.
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