For decades, Sargodha stood as Pakistan’s citrus capital, earning the title “California of Pakistan” for its flourishing orchards of oranges and kinnow that supplied both local and international markets. The citrus industry was more than just agriculture — it was an economic lifeline that supported thousands of farmers, traders, labourers, and exporters.
However, in recent years, a grim reality has set in. Citrus production has plummeted, with 25-35 per cent of farmers abandoning orange and kinnow cultivation, and replacing orchards with wheat, sugarcane, and other crops. Once dominated by citrus, the region is rapidly changing as farmers struggle with rising temperatures, water shortages, crop diseases, and an unstable export market. Without immediate intervention, Sargodha’s legacy as Pakistan’s citrus powerhouse is at risk.
The rise and fall of Sargodha’s citrus industry
Sargodha’s citrus legacy dates back to British colonial rule when irrigation infrastructure was first established in the early 20th century. The Punjab Canal Colonies, introduced by the British, transformed barren lands into fertile agricultural hubs, allowing citrus farming to flourish. By the 1950s and 1960s, Sargodha had established itself as the centre of Pakistan’s citrus production, with kinnow cultivation gaining momentum due to its high yield, resistance to disease, and distinct taste.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Pakistan experienced an agricultural boom, as better irrigation systems and fertilisers boosted citrus yields. Exports grew, and Sargodha’s oranges became well-known in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
But over the past two decades, this progress has reversed. Climate change, outdated farming techniques, and poor infrastructure have led to declining yields and shrinking profits. Today, Sargodha is struggling to maintain its place in the global citrus market, facing stiff competition from countries that have modernised their citrus industries.
What went wrong?
Citrus crops thrive in temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, but in recent years, Sargodha has experienced prolonged heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C during critical fruit development months. This excessive heat has led to higher fruit drop, sunburnt produce, and reduced quality, making it harder for farmers to meet export standards.
More heat also means greater water demand, forcing farmers to rely on irrigation far beyond what was needed a decade ago, resulting in increased expenses. Traditionally, Sargodha’s farmers relied on Punjab’s canal irrigation system, but inconsistent monsoon patterns, declining water flows, and outdated infrastructure have made irrigation increasingly unreliable. Without modern water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation, citrus farming is becoming unsustainable for many growers.
Farmers are battling citrus canker, citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), and citrus tristeza virus — diseases that lower fruit quality and cause premature fruit drop. Many growers, lacking access to disease-resistant citrus varieties and proper orchard management training, struggle to control the spread of these infections.
Pakistan has no large-scale initiative to protect its citrus industry, unlike other countries that have invested in nationwide pest and disease management programmes. The crisis will continue to worsen without a coordinated effort to provide disease-resistant saplings, modern spraying techniques, and farmer education programs.
The export decline: a market in crisis
For decades, Sargodha’s citrus was a prized commodity in Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, but today, Pakistan is losing its competitive edge.
While citrus is still exported to 48 countries, including Afghanistan, Russia, the UAE, the Philippines, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Iraq, and the Netherlands, export growth has stagnated. The reasons are clear:
First, stricter quality standards in international markets have made it difficult for Pakistani citrus to compete. Many importing countries have tightened regulations due to concerns over fruit diseases, pesticide residues, and inconsistent grading standards, causing higher rejection rates for Pakistani citrus.
Sargodha’s citrus legacy dates back to British colonial rule when irrigation infrastructure was first established in the early 20th century.
Second, the lack of modern processing and packaging facilities has placed Pakistan at a disadvantage. Pakistan still relies on outdated processing methods, unlike Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and South Africa, which have invested in advanced sorting, grading, and cold storage facilities. Without large-scale citrus processing plants to enhance shelf life and product presentation, Pakistani citrus struggles to meet the demands of high-end buyers.
Logistics further complicate the situation. High freight costs, poor port infrastructure, and limited refrigerated transport mean that much of Sargodha’s citrus loses freshness before reaching export markets. With rising operational costs and shrinking profit margins, many farmers and exporters are stepping away from citrus in search of more reliable income sources.
Egypt’s success story: a blueprint for Sargodha’s revival
In the early 2000s, Egypt faced a crisis similar to what Sargodha is experiencing today — declining citrus production, climate stress, and poor export infrastructure. However, with a well-executed national agricultural strategy, Egypt transformed into the world’s largest exporter of oranges by 2021.
The Egyptian government:
- Invested in disease-resistant citrus varieties, reducing crop losses.
- Built state-of-the-art processing and cold storage units, improving export quality.
- Strengthened trade ties with Europe, China, and Russia, securing high-value markets.
- Provided training and financial support to citrus farmers, increasing productivity.
Today, Egypt dominates citrus exports, while Pakistan struggles to maintain its position. This example proves that policy intervention, infrastructure development, and farmer education can revitalise a struggling industry. Sargodha’s citrus industry can be restored if Pakistan follows a similar roadmap.
Rebuilding Sargodha’s citrus industry
Sargodha’s citrus industry is at a crossroads, but there is still a clear path to reclaim its position in both local and international markets.
Modernising farming techniques must be the first step. The government and private sector must invest in disease-resistant citrus varieties and provide farmer training programs on effective pest control and orchard management. Research institutions should be encouraged to develop new citrus strains suited for Pakistan’s changing climate.
Reviving Punjab’s canal system is another essential move. A shift toward efficient irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems can help conserve water and reduce costs, making citrus farming more sustainable.
Sargodha’s citrus industry is at a crossroads, but there is still a clear path to reclaim its position in both local and international markets.
Equally important is the need to expand and improve citrus processing infrastructure. Establishing modern citrus processing plants in Sargodha — equipped with automated sorting, cold storage, and juice extraction facilities — could boost fruit quality, extend shelf life, and open doors to premium export markets.
On the export front, Pakistan must aggressively re-enter global markets by securing new trade agreements, improving compliance with international food safety standards, and investing in logistics and branding efforts. Marketing “Sargodha Kinnow” as a premium citrus variety — emphasising its unique taste and freshness — could help Pakistan regain market confidence.
A race against time
The decline of Sargodha’s citrus industry is not irreversible. Countries like Egypt and Morocco have successfully revitalised their citrus industries through research, investment, and policy support. Pakistan must act now to modernise its citrus sector, improve disease management, upgrade irrigation, and secure high-value export markets.
If the right steps are taken today, Sargodha’s orange orchards will flourish again, securing a prosperous future for generations to come.
The writer is a business development professional.
