A Pakistani fruit exporters association has outlined plans to export 125,000 tons of mangoes from May to September, aiming to generate $100 million in revenue. The Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Export Association (PFVEA) aims to direct 70% of these exports to Middle Eastern markets.
With Pakistan being the world's fourth-largest mango producer, the country annually produces around 1,800,000 metric tons, with Punjab contributing 70%, Sindh 29%, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1%. Currently, mango exports stand as a key revenue stream. "Pakistan is aiming to export 125,000 tons of mangoes this season, 25 percent more than last year's target of 100,000 tons," stated PFVEA Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed. The exports commenced on May 25 and are to continue until the end of September. If successful, these exports could potentially secure $100 million in foreign exchange.
However, climate change factors pose a potential risk to mango production. Pakistan experiences irregular weather, affecting agricultural outputs. "Mango production in Pakistan is consistently declining due to climate change and water scarcity," cautioned Ahmed, noting a possible 25% reduction in production this year. Despite potential declines, Pakistan has increased the export target given the aim to export only 125,000 tons from an estimated 1.4 million tons of total production, maintaining optimism amid challenges.
Addressing climate issues, Ahmed emphasized interventions such as improved water management and the development of climate-resilient varieties, alongside modernizing agriculture and horticulture efforts. There is a drive to penetrate non-traditional markets, targeting Japan, the U.S., South Korea, and Australia, with an emphasis on Turkiye and China.
Export costs are influenced by geopolitical tensions, including Pakistan's conflict with India and Israel-Iran tensions. "We urge the Federal Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to intervene and eliminate these extra charges to help improve export competitiveness," Ahmed said.
Farmers and exporters from the region report that adverse climate conditions have impacted both production volume and mango quality. Asif Ahmed, an exporter from Iftikhar Ahmed & Co, mentioned production in Sindh's Tando Allahyar and Mirpur Khas districts was around 30% lower than normal. Amjad Hussain, from Punjab's Multan, indicated more than 25% yield reduction due to climate impacts, highlighting potential implications for export volumes with precise figures pending by September.
Source: Arab News
