Mango production to fall by 20%

Karachi is once again witnessing the relentless impact of climate change on Pakistan’s prized mango crop, leading to a projected 20% reduction in production for the current season. As temperatures rise and erratic weather patterns persist, farmers and agricultural experts are bracing for the profound consequences that await both the economy and the cherished tradition of mango cultivation in the country.

All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA) Patron-in-Chief, Waheed Ahmed expressed concern about the adverse effects of climate change on the mango crop, foreseeing a 20% decline in production this season.

Pakistan’s mango production capacity typically reaches around 1.8 million metric tonnes; however, the changing climate could limit it to 1.44 million metric tonnes.

Sindh Abadghar Board (SAB), Senior Vice President, Mahmood Nawaz Shah highlighted the impact of extreme and variable weather on mango trees. The altered weather conditions disrupt the normal life cycle of mangoes, affecting tree health and ultimately fruit quality. This year, the crop faced challenges from malformation, hoppers, and rain in certain areas, impacting fruit formation and potentially compromising size and quality. The PFVA patron-in-chief warned that the prolonged winter and delayed arrival of summer have resulted in declining mango production and weakened disease-fighting capabilities in mango orchards. Changing weather patterns directly affect the mango crop, urging the need for research institutes and provincial agriculture departments to provide resources and awareness to mango farmers to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

While some regions show resilience and yield promising produce, speaking to the Express Tribune Concave Agri Services, President, Muhammad Ali Iqbal reported that the mango crop is thriving this year, especially in Sindh and Punjab. Favourable weather conditions have led to higher production volumes and comparatively lower prices in the domestic consumer market. “This also is an excellent opportunity for the government to earn some forex exchange by allowing exports at the right time as last year considering the weather conditions the decision for exports was bit late,” explained Iqbal.

JS Global, Agriculture sector analyst, Waqas Ghani Kukaswadia however told The Express Tribune that the mango yield is expected to be lower this year as heavy rainfall in Punjab led to mango flowers falling off the trees. The country’s average production in the last ten years has been around 1.7 million tonnes from which close to 80% of the mango produce comes from Punjab.

Sindh Chamber of Agriculture, President, Miran Mohammed Shah mentioned that mango picking has already begun in Sindh areas, despite mildew disease affecting mangoes in small portions of Tando Allahyar and Matiari districts. These infections can be attributed to the effects of climate change, he said.

In other areas, such as near Hyderabad, continuous standing rainwater destroyed orchards, potentially contributing to the overall production reduction. However, the overall fruit quality remained intact, unaffected by recent rain spells.

Shah expressed caution regarding mango exports, noting a gloomy export scene due to economic restrictions and informal trade practices. The flight of mangoes through Iran and Afghanistan is expected to continue this year. He called on the government to provide a facilitation package for mango growers and exporters, as the current trade situation lacks structure and coordination.

“The biggest loser in this regard is the government exchequer,” he said. Trade commissioners abroad also do not play any role in this.

The PFVA patron-in-chief revealed that the export target for mangoes this season is set at 125,000 metric tonnes, aiming to generate a foreign exchange of US$100 million. Export of mangoes will commence on May 20th, 2023.

Major buyers of Pakistani mangoes include Gulf countries, Iran, Central Asian countries, and the UK, with Europe, Canada, the USA, and Japan also being important markets.

The increase in export costs resulting from reduced production, quality issues linked to climatic effects, and rising freight, packaging, and transport expenses pose significant challenges for mango exports. Additionally, ongoing law and order issues, political instability, and disruptions in delivery could further impact exports, according to Ahmed.

Punjab accounts for 70% of Pakistan’s mango production, while Sindh contributes 29%, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) holds a 1% share, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2023.

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