Mango diplomacy

Mangoes are an integral part of the history and culture of the sub-continent. While its cultivation dates all the way back to the Indian civilisation, as old as 4000-6000 years, the cultural significance of mangoes started to emerge during the Mughal period when agriculture started taking precedence. Today, the tropical fruit has globally earned the title of the ‘King of fruits’, owing to its delightful taste, ambrosial smell and high nutritional value. The luscious fruit has a rather special place in the hearts of Pakistanis in particular, as citizens eagerly wait all year round for its arrival during summer.

Being the 6^th largest mango producer and 5^th largest exporter in the world, Pakistan set a new record last year by exporting more than 100,000 tons of the delicious fruit. At present, the export potential of Pakistani mango pulp stands at $500 million in the international market, due in part to an increased global consciousness regarding organic foods — an opportunity that the incumbent government could expedite after the coronavirus pandemic is over. Furthermore, apart from its sweet seductive taste and export significance, one cannot ignore the versatile characteristic of the fruit; it can be made into pickles, blended into smoothies and be used to improve diplomatic relations under what is being called as ‘mango diplomacy’. Recently, Prince Charles of Britain expressed his gratitude for the ‘very tasty’ mangoes sent by President Arif Alvi — a gift that has also been sent to various heads of states with the aim to not only boost exports by creating an international image of Pakistani fruits, but also to highlight investment opportunities in Pakistan’s horticulture sector.

Unfortunately, declining trends with regard to production and management, coupled with the lack of infrastructure such as pulp facilities, indicate that not enough attention is being given to the cultivation of high-quality mangoes. Having the potential of earning the country millions of dollars in foreign exchange, the authorities need to put in place a sustainable system of production before calling upon international investors.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2020.

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