Sargodha Citrus Fest Captivates Islamabad’s Fruit Enthusiasts

APP
Islamabad: The inaugural ‘Sargodha Citrus Fest,’ showcasing approximately 45 varieties of citrus fruits and their products, drew the attention of numerous citrus fruit enthusiasts.
This two-day festival commenced at COMSTECH in Islamabad on Tuesday and is a collaborative effort between the University of Sargodha and COMSTECH.
The visitors have the opportunity to indulge in citrus fruit-made delicacies such as cakes, juices, desserts, candies, and green tea, alongside a diverse array of citrus fruits.
The festival features an exhibition of various citrus fruit varieties, including Rangpur Lime, Carrizo Citrage, Gada Dahi, Rangpur, Gilgil, Mitha, Pishawari Mittha, Kinnow, Seedless Lemon, Jati Khati, Bara Masii, Ornad Blood, Mosambi, Murcott, and many others, showcased at numerous stalls. The event promises to captivate visitors, particularly fruit enthusiasts, on Wednesday, offering not only citrus-infused culinary delights but also interactive exhibits.
University of Sargodha staff briefed visitors about citrus fruit products, offering them tastings. Dr Qaisar Abbas, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sargodha, welcomed participants and highlighted the university’s unique combination of faculties in medicine and agriculture.
He shared information about an ongoing project exploring the scientific properties of citrus fruits, emphasizing that 45 varieties are displayed in the current exhibition, with a promise to showcase more in the next year’s event. Prof. Abbas stressed the need to develop value-added citrus products for export.
Dr M Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, praised the University of Sargodha’s role in the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence and its contributions to students from OIC states. He underscored the nutritional value of citrus fruits and commended the university’s initiative to explore their medicinal properties. Prof Choudhary mentioned COMSTECH’s establishment of a citrus processing unit in Nigeria and expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for supporting COMSTECH activities.
Dr Irfan Ullah, a citrus fruit expert, provided a comprehensive presentation on the nutritional importance of citrus fruits and addressed challenges faced by farmers, suggesting solutions such as establishing a citrus market, expo center, and a dry port to facilitate exports.
Ambassadors and diplomats from various countries participated in the inaugural ceremony, highlighting the festival’s international significance.