Demand soars for local mangoes

This year has seen a remarkable increase in mango exports from Pakistan, underscoring the growing demand and global appeal of this tropical fruit. The surge reflects both expanded production capabilities and heightened international interest in premium-quality mangoes.

According to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), as of June 30, 2024, the country shipped over 93,000 metric tonnes of mangoes worth about $61 million since exports commenced on May 20, 2024. A total of 4,484 containers were shipped to countries such as United Arab Emirates, Iran, Afghanistan, and other Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

“The figures show export data till June 30. The total will be compiled after the end of the season in September,” a DPP official said. This includes all three modes of shipment: by sea, by air, and through land terminals.

Quoting the DPP’s export statement, another official of the department said Pakistan’s total mango export volume was more than 129,000 metric tonnes during the last season in 2023. During this season, 18 hot water treatment plants have been approved in Karachi, with a few qualified from other parts of Sindh and Punjab.

Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers, and Merchants Association (PFVA), said, “We still don’t have any data regarding this year’s export as we receive from the government.”

According to the DPP’s country-wise chart seen by The Express Tribune, Iran was the top export destination with 1,745 containers worth about $19.5 million. The UAE followed, importing a staggering 1,396 containers worth around $21.5 million. A notable quantity of 700 containers, valued at approximately $7 million, was shipped to Kazakhstan.

Additionally, an impressive 307 containers, or 10,074 metric tonnes worth a little above $1.5 million, were exported to Afghanistan.

Statistics from the Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) also depict that the value for last year’s export was approximately $116 million. However, the quantity mentioned in PRAL data is 154,000 metric tonnes, which includes a portion of this year’s volume (data compiled based on exports carried out from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).

Export of mangoes commenced on May 20, 2024, and gained momentum, with shipments of the luscious fruit surging via the Torkham border.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Mubarak Ahmad, Consultant on Agro and Food at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and former Director General at DPP, said Pakistan boasts a robust mango crop this year. The quality is also favourable for export. According to DPP data compiled till June 30, 2024, the volume of export has crossed 93,000 metric tonnes. This figure will rise further considerably by the end of the season, he added.

“Exports from Punjab have just started last week. The export is likely to continue till September. So we will see more surge in terms of both volume and value,” he said.

Regarding TDAP’s activities in promoting the fruit, he said TDAP has undertaken a good number of activities to promote the valuable fruit and is organising events to attract foreign buyers. “We support exporters for participation in international fairs, arrange B2B meetings, facilitate exporters in removing trade barriers, and contribute to opening new markets.”

Ahmad also highlighted that the TDAP recently organised a trade exhibition attended by about 600 foreign buyers from across the globe. Additionally, the TDAP sends mangoes to 35 countries for their top officials, arranges mango tasting events, and holds seminars/meetings for consultative sessions with stakeholders.