The Centre of Excellence for Citrus is a flagship initiative of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), University of Sargodha, and an innovative milestone toward the commercialization of research. This joint venture between the University of Sargodha and the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry is funded by the Export Development Fund (EDF), Ministry of Commerce to promote the export of citrus fruits particularly kinnow from the Sargodha region. The project aims to enhance the international competitiveness of Pakistan’s citrus industry by providing essential technical support and certification services for the kinnow exporters.

The center hosts a state-of-the-art laboratory, equipped with high-tech instrumentation such as Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), operated by a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals. It is the first facility of its kind in the region, offering critical export certifications including Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) testing, ensuring that fresh citrus meets international safety and quality standards. Such facilities are previously available in Lahore and Islamabad requiring kinnow exporters to spend considerable time and money. With the establishment of this facility, those costs and delays will now be significantly reduced.

The University’s scientific leadership, technical expertise, and research infrastructure combined the business expertise of Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry and subsequently the practical engagement with local industries make it a true model of academia-industry collaboration.

In addition to its service and research functions, the center plays a key role in capacity building, offering practical training opportunities and promoting innovation in citrus production and processing. Through this integrated approach, the center is driving sustainable growth in the citrus industry and enhancing Pakistan’s footprint in global fruit markets.