CRIS expects 30pc drop in kinnow yield this year

SARGODHA: Kinnow yield could be dropped by 30 percent as compare to last year's produce due to change in weather condition and its impacts.

Director, Citrus Research Institute Sargodha (CRIS) Muhammad Nawaz Maken told this scribe that orchards were needed proper care to get best results in coming season.

Last year, he said that citrus produce was satisfactory adding that some orchards were also presenting good condition in current season which were needed proper care by the growers.

Kinnow orchards were needed proper irrigation now as hot weather and dryness has been creating negative effects on trees, he added. Kinnow export targets had been achieved during last year, he said and added that it was also a natural phenomenon that sometime orchards' production decreased from previous year.

He advised farmers to consult with the CRIS for adopting modern technology for their orchards like drip irrigation and sprinkling of water. Orchards are demanding proper irrigation, spray and care in the prevailing weather, adding that kinnow scab and concur attack was common in current weather, he added.

He urged farmers that close liaison among farmers and CRIS expert was required to get best results from orchards to contribute in export quality production.