AI Generated Summary
- The shift towards low-seeded varieties signals a broader ambition — to move from being a large producer to becoming a global hub for premium mandarins in the years ahead.
- Horticulture experts believe the variety could redefine kinnow cultivation in Punjab by making the fruit more appealing to consumers and far more suitable for processing.
- At the centre of this change is PAU Kinnow-1, a newly released low-seeded strain that contains, on average, just over three seeds per fruit.
Punjab, long recognised as India’s kinnow heartland, is preparing for a major shift in its fruit economy. The state is moving decisively towards low-seeded and near-seedless mandarin varieties, a transition expected to strengthen juice processing, widen export markets and improve farmer returns.
At the centre of this change is PAU Kinnow-1, a newly released low-seeded strain that contains, on average, just over three seeds per fruit. Horticulture experts believe the variety could redefine kinnow cultivation in Punjab by making the fruit more appealing to consumers and far more suitable for processing.
Kinnow is the backbone of Punjab’s fruit sector. The crop occupies nearly half of the state’s total fruit-growing area and produces around 1.32 million tonnes annually. Its success has been driven by a mix of favourable climate, strong institutional backing and farmers willing to invest in modern orchard practices.
First introduced in Punjab in the mid-1950s, kinnow gained commercial acceptance by the late 1960s. Since then, its footprint has expanded dramatically — from roughly 500 hectares in 1970 to close to 49,000 hectares in 2023–24. Over the decades, it has become the preferred citrus crop for growers due to its high productivity, resilience and consistent market demand.
Punjab’s agro-climatic conditions give its kinnow a competitive edge. Cool winter nights help develop the fruit’s distinctive golden-yellow colour, while deep alluvial soils and extensive canal irrigation systems support high yields. Under good orchard management, production can reach as much as 200 kg per tree.
Equally important has been progress beyond the farm gate. The state has invested heavily in post-harvest infrastructure, standardising practices such as waxing, grading and cold storage. More than 40 waxing units are now operating, enabling kinnow to travel longer distances without losing quality and opening doors to overseas markets.
These advances have turned kinnow from a fresh fruit crop into a full-fledged agro-industry. However, one major hurdle has remained: the high seed content of traditional kinnow, which limits its suitability for juice extraction and processed products.
The introduction of PAU Kinnow-1 is expected to change that equation. Low-seeded fruit improves juice recovery, enhances consumer acceptance and aligns Punjab’s produce with global preferences, where seedless or near-seedless citrus dominates supermarket shelves.
Currently, Punjab’s kinnow is exported mainly to Russia, the Middle East, Nepal and Bangladesh, with newer markets such as Sri Lanka and Thailand showing interest. Experts say that expanding processing capacity, strengthening farmer producer organisations and developing new value-added products could help stabilise incomes and reduce post-harvest losses.
With kinnow acreage growing by about 1,000 hectares every year, Punjab appears well placed to consolidate its leadership within India. The shift towards low-seeded varieties signals a broader ambition — to move from being a large producer to becoming a global hub for premium mandarins in the years ahead.
