Punjab plans to export 20,000 tonnes of kinnow

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gave nod to the proposal of state-owned Punjab Agro Corporation to export 20,000 tonnes of kinnow - a type of citrus fruit - in the coming season.

An official spokesperson said a decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister after successful exporting around 5,000 tonnes of kinnow to Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East last year.

The Chief Minister has asked Managing Director (MD) Punjab Agro K S Pannu to take all possible measures to set up sufficient cold chain infrastructure in Punjab in next four months for ensuring long distance marketing of kinnow in domestic and international market.

This move was likely to immensely benefit the kinnow growers of the state, he said.

With a view to improve the farm practices of kinnow harvesting in line with international standards, the Chief Minister has also approved the proposal to import citrus fruit clippers and harvesting bags, besides providing specialized training to labour engaged in fruit picking in orchards.

Badal has also sanctioned a financial grant worth Rs 10 crore to Punjab Agro for immediate improvement of cold chain infrastructure for kinnow marketing.

International Standard post harvest fungicide laden wax would also be imported in the state to ensure long storage life of kinnow, he informed.

In order to take kinnow to distant marketing centres, the Railway Ministry has been requested to provide refrigerated wagons from Abohar, Bathinda and Hoshiarpur railway stations, thereby covering the Kinnow hubs of the state.

It has also been decided to ensure participation of progressive kinnow growers in international fruit trade fairs especially one of the biggest trade fair in Russia.

A coordination committee under the chairmanship of Pannu has been constituted for ensuring the implementation of decisions.