Climate change impacts orange production in Pakistan

Pakistan is experiencing a cold wave, but the winter season’s signature fruit, oranges, remain unavailable in markets.

Experts attribute the shortage to climate change, which has severely impacted citrus production, causing significant losses in exports and limiting options for local consumers.

Kinnow production is expected to decline by 35% this year due to smog and fog, while the late arrival of cold weather has affected the quality and taste of oranges, reducing their appeal.

Agricultural experts pointed out that the current 60-year-old citrus variety cannot withstand modern diseases and extreme weather conditions, leading to a significant drop in production.

Waheed Ahmed, head of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, highlighted that climate change has caused widespread damage to orange production. He emphasized that the lack of new, climate-resilient varieties has worsened the crisis, forcing half of the country’s citrus processing factories to shut down.

Experts warn that without the urgent introduction of resilient orange varieties, production could decline further, potentially ending citrus exports altogether.

It is noteworthy that just a few years ago, Pakistan was a leading orange exporter, setting a record in 2020-21 by exporting 460,000 tonnes of oranges—the highest volume ever recorded in a season.