KARACHI: The export of mango from Pakistan would commence from 17th May 2018 during the current season of mango while the export target of mango has been set as 100,000 metric tons.

According to the Patron-in-Chief of PFVA & Vice President FPCCI, Waheed Ahmed, the production of mango is expected to be less than 35% due to bad effect of the acute shortage of water and global warming. The CPEC route would also be utilized first time to export mango to China.

Foreign exchange of USD 95-100 million would be generated by attaining the export target of 100,000 tons.

The Pakistani mango would be part of an essential menu for millions of Muslim fasting globally while it’s export during the holy month of Ramzan would be an added advantage for the export.

Devaluation of Pakistani currency coupled with the export of mango during fasting month would further enhance export revenue, Waheed informed.

Due to 50% reduction in production of mango than last year, the export target of 100,000 tons was restricted to 81,000 tons only Waheed further added.

The Gulf countries, United Arab Emirates, Saudia Arab and European countries would be major buyers of Pakistani mangoes, however, queries in abundance from Chinese buyers are pouring in, expressing keen interest for import of Pakistani mangoes.

It would be the first time that Pakistani mangoes would be exported to China through CPEC route and around 500- 2000 tons is anticipated to be exported to China.

China can emerge as a big market for Pakistani mango, once it’s fully developed where 20,000 tons of mango could be conveniently exported while 150 tons of mango is to be exported to Japan Waheed shared
Mango promotions in China, Maldives, and European countries would be held during this year to further enhancement of export of mango.

Iran is also an important buyer, however, due to the unprecedented devaluation of Iranian currency, the exporters are not expecting to get the good return value of their export.

Climate changes and Global warming are serious potential threats to the production of mango and due to its negative impact overall production of mango was 50% less than last year while it’s continued negative impact is anticipated to lead to 35% less production.

Due to acute shortage of water, mango orchards in Sindh which includes Hyderabad District, Tando Al- yar, Mirpur Khas would be severely affected.

The same goes to Punjab where overall production of mango is anticipated to less by 30 to 50 % in mango growing areas including Muzzafar Garh, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Shujabad Waheed said.

Simultaneously with low production the smaller size of mango is also of great concern to the exporters. Due to increase in demand and shortage of supply this year, the wholesale price of mango is expected to increase from Rs. 2400 to Rs.3000 per 40 kg be around.

Due to the relatively long winter season in different mango growing areas, the production has been badly hit while on another hand due to climatic changes, the mango is confronted with attacks by new diseases which would lead to low production.

The PFVA has been intensely demanding for many years to initiate Research & Development activities for effectively handing menace of the Global warming so as to avert this serious threat or at least minimize severe likely impact on Horticulture sector but it’s unfortunate no serious attempt has so far been made by the Govt. of Pakistan – Waheed deplored .

Shifting of responsibilities to the provinces for the betterment of agriculture sector after enforcement of 18th amendment could not yield desired results due to lack of coordination among the provinces – Waheed expressed with deep concern.

To attain export target, it’s vital to maintain political stability and good law & order in the country while cooperation and support from Airlines, Shipping companies, Customs and the department of plant protection (DPP) are imperative Waheed emphasized.

He stressed upon the Airlines to keep the cost of Air Freight within the reasonable limit, keeping the current crises of a balance of payment, Pakistan is confronted with so that increasing cost of production, making it difficult to compete in the International market can be brought down to effectively encounter competitors.