The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association highlighted a "significant reduction" in mango production for the third consecutive year, attributing the decline to climate change. This situation has led to concerns over meeting the export target of 100,000 tons set for the current season. Pakistan, which annually produces about 1.8 million tons of mangoes, is facing a potential shortfall in production, particularly in the Punjab and Sindh regions, which are the primary mango-producing areas.
Waheed Ahmed, the patron-in-chief of the association, emphasized the pronounced negative impact of climate change on mango orchards, resulting in a lack of export-quality mangoes. The target for this year has been adjusted to 100,000 tons, down from 125,000 tons the previous year, with actual exports last year also at 100,000 tons. The expected reduction in production might lead to a decrease in foreign exchange earnings, which were projected to reach $90 million from mango exports.
Moreover, Ahmed pointed out the challenges faced by the sector, including rising costs of electricity, gas, transportation, and maintenance, which hinder the competitiveness of Pakistan's mango exports. He also stressed the need for urgent research-based solutions to address the adverse effects of climate change on mango production, calling for the development of new mango varieties resilient to climatic changes and the implementation of measures to prevent diseases and provide suitable agricultural pesticides.
The association has urged federal and provincial agricultural research centers to prioritize efforts to assist farmers in combating the effects of climate change on mango production.
Source: thenews.com.pk