Despite Sindh orchards being adversely impacted by the mango malformation disease (MMD), growers feel this will not hurt exports and ask the government to focus on increasing efficiency in fruit shipments.
All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) Chairman Waheed Ahmed: “So far, the mango crop has been fine.”
Pakistan produces 1.7 to 1.8 million tons of mangoes every season and exports 5-7% of the produce, according to Sindh Abadgar Board Senior Vice President Mahmood Nawaz Shah. Last year, mango exports stood at 120,000 tons. Punjab produces 60% of the mangoes while Sindh’s share is around 38%. Some 2% of mangoes are produced by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
“Therefore, if 10-12% of the crop is affected by MMD in Sindh, the overall exports should not take a hit,” Shah told https://tribune.com.pk Growers have tried their best to eradicate the disease, but some signs of the disease are still being found.
