Pakistani mangoes have big demand in global markets

MULTAN: Following the increasing demand of Pakistani mangoes in the global markets, the mango export target has been enhanced upto 70, 000 tons this year.

Pakistan mangoes are in big demand in the markets of Middle East, Europe and Australia and exporters of the fruit are expecting big earning this year. All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Association has announced mango export target as 150, 000 metric tons for the current mango season and the mango export is likely to bring $127.5 million to the country.

APFVA Patron-in-Chief Mian Waheed Ahmed in a press release, said last year the export target of mango was set as 80,000 tons despite bad impact of coronavirus epidemic on the economy of the country, however due to an extra-ordinary demand of the fruit in the world market its export was enhanced upto 150, 000 tons.

He said on the one hand Pakistani mango export sector is facing serious issues of climatic changes and scarcity of water, on the other hand limited flight operations and higher air freights also affected the export of the fruit.

He said the export of mangoes via sea this year faces stiff challenges due to shortage of reefer containers and high freight cost. He urged the government to avail the mangoes demand in global markets and take steps to create conducive atmosphere for the export of mangoes.

He said under the official patronage the country can be included in the list of top three mango exporting countries of the world within a period of 4-5 years and to get such a position it is imperative also to focus attention on high value markets of Japan, USA, Australia, South Korea and China.

He called for an extensive Research and Development (R&D) to improve quality and cosmetic look to get an easy access to these markets which have strong faith in ‘quality and impressive appearance’ of the fruit.

He said climatic changes have affected the production of mangoes for the last five years. He said overall production of mangoes in Sindh and Punjab is anticipated at 180, 0000 tons. Waheed said comprehensive research process to evaluate serious impacts of climate changes on mango crop as well other major crops has not yet been initiated.

Waheed said cohesive team work, support, cooperation and co-ordination among all stakeholders, including department of Plant Protection (DPP), Customs, sea and airport authorities are imperative to accomplish the mango export target.