ISLAMABAD (APP) - Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal said on Tuesday that procedural formalities including logistic arrangements have been finalized for export of mangoes to the US during the coming mango season. Addressing a conference "Growing Gold on Trees", he said to fully exploit export potential of mango crop, the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) has developed Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for certification and registration of mango orchards and packing houses. The event was organized by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MinFA) and USAID aiming to evolve strategy for exploring international markets for the country's mangoes including USA and other European markets. The minister said that MinFA was committed to work for the betterment of agriculture sector including the horticulture sector adding it is expected that the export of mangoes would reach $ 3 million by end of next season. The Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) has on its part developed SoPs for harvesting, packing, handling of mangoes, besides pest proof boxes for transportation of mangoes to US, he added. Nazar Gondal said that MinFA along with Ministry of Commerce and in coordination with PHDEC would help the local mango exporters prepare mango consignments according to the USDA/APHIS requirements of standards and quality. Pakistan is the fifth largest producer and third largest exporter of mangoes in the world. Export of mangoes is around 1,27,000 metric tons earning foreign exchange of about US$ 6 million, he added. Speaking at the conference, USAID Mission Director for Pakistan Dr. Andrew Sission said that during the last year USAID helped local producers ship mangoes by sea to major fruit and vegetable importers and supper markets in Europe for first time. In 2011 about 20 mango farms are expected to be assisted for global GAP certification adding that more then 30 training modules on mango practices will be taught to over 2000 farmers and farm workers, he added. The USAID Mango Programe impact through 2013 would increase by US$ 5.28 million to 16.4 million and 31.3 million for 2011,12 and 2013 season respectively, he added.