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), from February 4 to 5.l, 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 in Wuhan.
The second annual event builds on last year’s successful workshop and focuses on practical knowledge sharing to help Pakistan’s citrus industry grow and compete globally.
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.
A key focus of the workshop was the transfer of practical agricultural knowledge. Professor Liu Yongzhong from HZAU led hands-on training for local growers on advanced pruning techniques aimed at maintaining tree health and boosting annual yields.
He also highlighted the successful introduction of nine high-quality Chinese citrus cultivars into Pakistan last year, which have been propagated and will be transplanted during the upcoming monsoon season.
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.
Through continued partnerships in research, training and technology transfer, China and Pakistan are working together to strengthen food security, improve farmer livelihoods and foster sustainable agricultural development in the region.