Islamabad:Pakistan’s citrus growers, scientists and students have gathered for a two-day international workshop aimed at strengthening one of the country’s most important agricultural sectors.
The event, titled “Prospects of Climate Smart Citrus Production: Adaptive Strategies for a Changing World,” was held at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Monday.
The workshop was jointly organized by UAF’s Institute of Horticultural Sciences and the Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU)’s China-Pakistan Horticulture Research and Demonstration Center.
Citrus is Pakistan’s leading fruit crop, making the country the world’s 15th largest producer and 6th largest exporter. However, with less than 1.3% of the global export market, there is significant room for growth.
A major exhibition at the workshop showcased 25 different varieties of citrus, including mandarins, sweet oranges and grapefruits, highlighting the potential for diversity and quality improvement. Professor Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UAF, expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration, stating that such exchanges are essential for modernizing Pakistan’s agriculture and enhancing the competitiveness of its citrus sector.
The event builds on multiple existing agreements between the two universities, including the establishment of the China-Pakistan Horticultural Demonstration Center and a joint laboratory focused on germplasm innovation in Wuhan.
