Pollution, Grading, and Processing: Solutions Sought for Punjab's Kinnow Woes

Punjab's Kinnow farms are facing significant challenges, leading to a decline in both prices and exports. International horticulture experts recently conducted an assessment, identifying key issues contributing to this situation. 

These challenges include inadequate marketing services, a lack of processing industry, export rejections due to heavy metal traces and chemical residues, reliance on size-based grading only, vehicular pollution affecting orchards, phytophthora infection, and the neglect of proper fruit thinning.

Punjab, known as a major kinnow producer, is particularly grappling with a surplus of kinnow fruit and a decrease in exports. The traditional practice of using waxing to extend kinnow shelf-life, employed by farmers, has faced criticism from importing countries. The experts are emphasizing  the necessity of adopting color-based grading alongside size-based grading to align with consumer preferences.

To address these issues, proposed solutions include enhancing marketing services, developing a processing industry, implementing color-based grading practices, and adopting measures to reduce pollution impact on orchards.

Recommendations also include planting orchards away from roads to minimize heavy metal absorption and establishing windbreak plantations to mitigate the effects of vehicular pollution. Implementing these solutions could play a crucial role in revitalizing kinnow farms and boosting exports, ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.