The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) has undertaken a mango bagging initiative, distributing approximately 70,000 bags in Sindh and 80,000 in Multan to progressive mango growers for the 2024 season. This initiative, which began on a pilot basis in 2023 with the distribution of 150,000 bags across Sindh and Punjab, aims to enhance the quality and appearance of mangoes. Mango bagging is a technique recognized for its benefits in mango-producing nations, improving the visual appeal of the fruit, reducing pesticide usage, and offering protection against pests, including fruit flies which pose quarantine concerns.
According to sources within the PHDEC, this distribution is part of several efforts to elevate the quality and visual appeal of mangoes to bolster their acceptance in import markets. Dr Javed Iqbal, a Senior Scientist at the Mango Research Station in Shujabad, highlighted the advantages of mango bagging at a seminar held by the PHDEC at the Mango Research Institute in Multan. His presentation emphasized the importance of harvesting mature fruit to maintain quality and outlined the commercial benefits of bagging, such as reduced post-harvest diseases and damage, preserved fruit color, minimized pesticide use, and protection from pests. A bagging duration of 30-45 days was recommended, alongside detailed post-harvest management practices.
Source: brecorder.com
