MULTAN: The cultivation of seedless variety of Kinnow in Punjab would increase its export to Russia, England, USA, Germany and other European countries as no country of the west produces such a variety.
Experts said in a statement issued by media liaison unit of Punjab Agriculture department on Monday said that contrary to 20-28 seeds in ordinary kinnow,95 per cent of the kinnow from seedless variety contain only one seed, has 45 per cent more juice than the ordinary varieties and has longer storage life.
Scientists of Citrus Research Institute Sargodha have already introduced new varieties of seedless citrus fruits and lots of saplings have been distributed among the farmers.
The process of developing seedless kinnow variety had begun in 2004 and over 1000 saplings were developed and distributed among farmers for their plantation on over 30,000 acre area in Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah and Vehari.
Agriculture spokesman said that over 450,000 acre area is under citrus fruit cultivation in Punjab and last year production of the province stood at 2.328 million ton.
Kinnow enjoys a prominent status among citrus family and a large quantity is exported every year. Last year, 339,310 tons kinnow was exported.
The quality and colour of this important fruit is affected by diseases and pests. Hence, Punjab government was taking practical steps to improve the quality of the fruit further.
Experts said it was high time that farmers bring more and more area under cultivation of seedless variety of Kinnow in shortest possible time.
Agriculture scientists were doing research to further improve the root stock of citrus, experts said and advised farmers to keep in touch with citrus research bodies to benefit from modern technology.
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