"Mango production was badly affected this year due to depressions and holes in the fruit caused by climate change," said Abdul Ghaffar Grewal, former director of the Mango Research Institute, Multan.
Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, he noted: "Our top variety, Sufaid Chaunsa, has been hit the most. These depressions are not due to insects or diseases; they are physiological disorders."
According to Grewal, the issue arises from temperature fluctuations that disturb the hormonal balance responsible for fruit growth and development. "This disorder manifests as clean, green depressions in the mango skin, with no signs of infection, bruising, or insect attack. It is purely a physiological abnormality," he said. The problem worsens as the fruit increases in size, with depressions becoming deeper.
Pakistan first experienced climate-related mango damage in 2022, when a March heatwave pushed temperatures to 40°C. Flowers dried up, fruit dropped, and growth was distorted. The Sindhri variety developed curved shapes, described as resembling a hockey stick.
"By 2025, the impact has become far more severe, with deep, widespread depressions, particularly in Sufaid Chaunsa," Grewal explained.
Growers in southern Punjab, including Rahim Yar Khan and Jalalpur, faced losses as exporters rejected affected fruit. Farmers were forced to sell in local markets at reduced prices. "Even large, healthy-looking fruit was discarded if it had just two or three holes. This has caused significant financial damage," Grewal said.
Other varieties such as Kala Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Ratol No. 12, and Sammar Bahisht Chaunsa have also shown symptoms, though to a lesser extent. "No variety has survived completely. We have seen these disorders across Punjab, with variations in severity," he added.
There is no direct cure for such physiological disorders, Grewal explained, but orchard management can mitigate the effects. "Improving zinc and potash application enables plants to withstand temperature extremes and reduces hormonal imbalances. With better nutrient management, farmers can minimise these effects next season," he said.
He added that the abnormalities reflect a broader trend. "Climate change disrupts the very hormones that control growth and development, and this is why we are seeing new physiological disorders in mango fruit."
Grewal urged both government and industry to help growers adapt. "Pakistan's mango is a symbol of national pride and a vital export commodity. But unless we invest in research on climate-resilient varieties, improved nutrition practices, and modern orchard management, our mango industry will continue to suffer," he said.
Source: INP
