Pakistan eyes 100,000T mango exports

KARACHI: Pakistan is launching its mango exports today (Saturday) with a hope to meet the target of 100,000 tons set for this season, an industry official said on Friday. 

“Last year, mango exports crossed a target of 100,000 tons to reach 128,000 tons, brining home $68 million in foreign exchange,” Waheed Ahmed, patron in chief, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) said in a statement. 

“A conservative target of 100,000 tons was set for exports after bad weather hit mango production in Punjab. Because of a prolonged winter and heavy winds in Punjab, out of a total production of 18 million tons, around six million tons of mango production is likely to suffer this year.” 

Ahmed added that Punjab has a major share of 67 percent in the mango production, of which 50 percent has been devastated due to inclemency, while the total outlook of the crop would be available by June when mangoes start arriving in the market.   “Pakistan exports mangoes to around 50 countries in the world. However, this time around, there would be special focus on exports to China, US, and South Korea, he said adding, “China can become a vast market for Pakistan where special activities will take place for the marketing of mangoes with the support of the government."   Giving further details, the PFVA official said the mango prices are likely to remain around $650 a ton this season, compared to $680 to $700 last year.

“Since mango export season is coinciding with the holy month of Ramazan this season, Pakistani mango can also find markets in countries with large Muslim populations along with the Muslim countries,” he said. 

Ahmed continued that, however, due to the strike of goods’ transporters mango exports are likely to see some pressure at the start of the season.   At the end of the statement he demanded of the government to ensure for fair air cargo fares.

“The international airlines charge more for Karachi to London consignments compared to Delhi to London shipments, which is unfair,” he said.