Malaysian High Commissioner Deddy Faisal Ahmed Saleh has expressed concern over a 50 per cent reduction in mango production in Pakistan this year due to the effects of climate change.
The diplomat, who is a fan of Pakistani mangoes, visited a 105-year-old farm in Adamwali along with his family.
He inspected the varieties of mangoes in the orchards and reviewed the export quality grading and packing facilities. During the visit, he expressed concern over the reduction in mango production in the country.
The Rahim Yar Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry had organised a mango festival on July 7 last year at President’s House in Islamabad, which was visited by the ambassadors of several countries.
The high commissioner of Malaysia had taken keen interest in different types of mangoes on the occasion.
Abdul Waheed Malik, the director of the 105-year-old MK Mango Farm, had invited him to Rahim Yar Khan during the mango season. The diplomat recently visited the farm along with his family and interacted with the farmers and labourers while viewing varieties throughout the day.
He also asked about the export quality mango varieties and grading and packing facilities.
High Commissioner Deddy Faisal Ahmad Saleh said mangoes were produced in many countries, including Malaysia, but those of Pakistan, especially Rahim Yar Khan, were special.
He said he and his family looked forward to May, June, July and August every year to enjoy Sindhri mango’s milkshake, ice cream, custard and fruit chaat, as well as the Anwar Rataul, Dussehri and Chaunsa varieties. White Chaunsa is his favourite type of mango for its sweetness.
The host Malik Abdul Waheed, who is a member of the chamber of commerce and industry, said more than 100 varieties of mangoes are produced in the country and Chaunsa is exported all over the world.
The orchards spread over 71,000 acres in Rahim Yar Khan district produce 35% of the total mango production of Punjab.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2022.
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