California of Pakistan

When traveling from Lahore via motorway as soon as you cross the Chenab Bridge and enter Sargodha, a board saying “Entering the best citrus producing area” welcomes you. Most of Sargodha's economy is based on agriculture. Sargodha is considered the best citrus-producing area of Pakistan and therefore is also known as the California of Pakistan. Sargodha is the largest Kinnow-producing district of the world. It produces oranges that are considered high-quality and supplies them to different parts of the country. These oranges are also exported to other countries. Sargodha produces a large amount of wheat, cotton, rice and vegetables that are transported to other parts of the country and exported to other countries.

University of California in 1935, discovered a new species of oranges, when fusion of Willow Leaf and King, two different kinds of citruses were experimented. The newly discovered orange was thus called Kinnow and was sent to different parts of the world to further test its yield. In 1960, University of California sent some seeds to Pakistan, and were tested in many areas of the country. Soil of Sargodha embraced the seed more than any other and gave it a unique, sweet taste. Kinnow of Sargodha, because of it’s unique taste, and size, became known all over the world.

Sargodha and California share this very unique and special relation, which became the reason, that Sargodha is now regarded as California of Pakistan. Located between Chenab and Jhelum River(s), Sargodha is a land of sour-n’-sweet fruits, and still reminds of the glory days of Punjab. Havelis can be seen amid gardens that spread across whole of Sargodha. People lit bonfires in the eve and enjoy a good conversation with a cup of tea in winter. People enjoy good conversations in their verandahs during the day as well but chaye is a must.

As soon as the winter arrives, Sargodha welcomes fruit-vendors from all over Pakistan. One can clearly see trucks in long queues waiting for their turn, to get the fruit of the season. Not only vendors, but locals as well as tourists enjoy the season. With the advancement of civilizations, modernization is seeping through the havelis and making its way to the malls and restaurants. But the lost Punjabi values are still alive in Sargodha. People take care of each other, they stay together, stick together, and be together. That is the beauty of this blissful, fruitful land – Sargodha!