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 Commission, Islamabad.

FAISALABAD Feb 09: 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 Commission, 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. Dr Jaffar Jaskani stressed upon the rehabilitation and rejuvenation of existing orchards. He said that most of our orchards are malnourished and deficient in micronutrients. He said that there is no regular soil, water and leaf analysis in orchards to set base for nutrients application. Prof Liu Yong Zhong from Huazhong Agricultural University, China, shared advanced field techniques being practiced in China, including efficient nutrient management, canopy control, precision irrigation and climate-responsive cultivation methods Dr Summar Abbas Naqvi said that we have to adopt the modern trends to remove the bottleneck. He said that establishment of certified seed nurseries is the need of the hour to overcome the citrus crisis.