FAISALABAD: Experts at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad have cautioned orchard growers against deteriorating citrus situation in the years to come for which they have to ensure proper management practices, diseases free nurseries, add proper fertilizer and clean weeds in order to safeguard the citrus from the increasing greening and other incidences.
They addressed at a seminar on Citrus titled “Care of Citrus Orchard after Fruit Harvesting to Enhance Orchard Health and Production” arranged Institute of Horticulture Sciences at UAF Toba Tek Singh Campus in collaboration with China Pakistan Horticulture Research and Demonstration Center, Hauzhong Agricultural University China, and funded (CPEC-CRG-2-447) by Higher Education Commi-ssion, Islamabad.
The seminar was arranged on the directives of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali.
Principal UAF Toba Tek Singh Campus Dr Rashad Waseem Khan, Dr Jaffar Jaskani, Dr Muhammad Azam, Prof Liu Yong Zhong and Dr Summar Abbas Naqvi spoke on the occasion.
While highlighting the importance of modern orchard management for citrus productivity, Dr Rashad Waseem Khan called for adopting scientific practices, including soil testing and pest control that will improve fruit quality, enhance yield and ensure long-term sustainability for growers in the region. He was of the view that climate change has significantly affected citrus productivity, quality and sustainability, demanding climate-smart agricultural practices.
Dr Muhammad Azam emphasized the need for balanced and regulated use of fertilizers to ensure healthy citrus growth and sustainable productivity. He stressed that timely pruning, particularly the removal of dried and diseased branches from fruit-bearing citrus trees, is essential for improved yield and quality. He added that adopting proper orchard management practices enhances plant health, reduces pest incidence and ultimately increases farmers’ income.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026