PHDEC’s mango bagging drive seeks export gains

KARACHI: The horticulture sector is betting on mango bagging to sharpen its global competitive edge. The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) launched a pilot project and hosted a workshop in Jalalpur, Multan, on Thursday aimed at improving fruit quality and boosting export volumes.

The initiative comes as the country produces about 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes annually but exports only around 7.0 per cent, largely due to quality challenges. Bagging -- the practice of enclosing mangoes in protective coverings -- is seen as key to overcoming these hurdles by reducing blemishes and improving shelf life.

PHDEC’s Mango Bagging Pilot Project, now in its third season, has distributed and facilitated procurement of over one million bags, including imports from China. The practice has helped exporters secure higher prices in over 40 countries, the company said.

“Bagging ensures compliance with international quality standards, opening doors to high-end markets and strengthening exporter profitability,” said PHDEC Chief Executive Officer Athar Hussain Khokhar.

At the event, mango expert Abdul Ghaffar Grewal emphasised post-harvest pruning and nutrition to mitigate climate-induced stress. Dr Kashif from MNS-University of Agriculture (MNSUAM), Multan, outlined bagging best practices, recommending application at the marble stage for 40 to 45 days for optimal results.

The technique mirrors practices in China -- the world’s largest mango market -- where growers use breathable, non-woven bags to reduce pesticide use by 50 per cent while producing uniform, high-grade fruit. The PHDEC has partnered with Chinese suppliers to source similar materials, aligning Pakistani exports with global standards.

The PHDEC is also linking local exporters with global buyers via business-to-business meetings and trade missions. Consultant Dr Azeem Khan said the agency is leveraging such efforts to drive growth, including through new value-added ventures like an EDF-funded mango dehydration unit at MNSUAM.

The event concluded with a Q&A session where stakeholders praised the PHDEC’s impact on mango exports. MNSUAM Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Rajwana credited the agency’s bagging push with enhancing the country’s international fruit reputation and enabling sustainable growth in the horticulture sector.