KARACHI:
Mango, the ‘King of Fruit’ and pride of Sindh’s agriculture, is under serious threat this season. Sudden climate changes, shortage of irrigation water, and a recent powerful thunderstorm have caused major damage to mango orchards in Tandojam, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, and surrounding districts.
Due to climate change, the weather has become unpredictable. Unusual temperature shifts, intense heat, and untimely rainfall are now common. Mango trees, which are sensitive to such changes, are facing stress during critical stages like flowering and fruit setting. Water availability from canals is low and often delayed. Tube wells are not a reliable option anymore due to falling underground water levels and load shedding. Mango trees, especially in early growth stages, require steady watering. This lack of water has resulted in poor fruit development and premature fruit drop.
In early May, a strong thunderstorm hit many mango-producing areas of Lower Sindh. Heavy winds and rain destroyed a large number of mango fruits, broke branches, and even uprooted full-grown trees. Some growers estimate a 30% to 50% loss in their orchards.
This damage will not only reduce the quantity of mangoes available in local and export markets but also affect the livelihood of thousands of families who depend on mango farming and trading.
To protect Sindh’s mango heritage, the following steps are urgently needed: Adopting climate-smart farming practices, promoting drip irrigation and water-saving techniques, planting windbreak trees to reduce storm impact, introducing climate-resilient mango varieties, and providing government support and compensation to affected farmers.
This is the time for all stakeholders—scientists, farmers, government, and agri-businesses—to work together and save this valuable crop from the growing threats of climate change.
Saddam Hussein
Sindh
