As Pakistan strives to maintain its status among the top mango producers globally, enhancements in packaging and logistics are essential to elevate the competitiveness of its mango exports, as reported by WealthPK. Mr. Nurullah, Senior Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Council, highlighted the necessity of addressing supply chain inefficiencies to leverage the increasing global demand for high-quality mangoes. Despite being the 5th largest mango producer, Pakistan exports a mere 6-7% of its total production, a figure that falls short of its potential due to outdated packaging and logistics practices leading to significant post-harvest losses.
Mr. Nurullah emphasized the importance of adopting modern packaging solutions, such as moisture-resistant cartons and temperature-controlled storage, to minimize spoilage and extend the shelf life of mangoes during transit. He pointed out that the current use of substandard packaging materials undermines the quality of Pakistani mangoes in international markets. Furthermore, the logistics infrastructure supporting mango exports requires modernization to enhance the efficiency of transportation and reduce the exposure of mangoes to unfavorable conditions, particularly for shipments to the Middle East.
Ashraf, a mango grower and exporter from Sindh, stressed the importance of an efficient logistics network, including reliable cold chain management, to ensure Pakistani mangoes remain competitive. The need for public-private partnerships to fund and develop the necessary infrastructure was also highlighted. Despite a 30-40% decrease in mango production this year due to climate change and pest infestations, domestic demand remains satisfied, with exports to key markets like the Middle East, the UK, and the USA continuing. Approximately 75% of Pakistan's mango exports are destined for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, distributed through sea (50%), land (35%), and air (15%) transportation modes.
Source: INP