Research on mango production urged

Research institutions and universities must play their role in boosting mango production, South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Fuad Hashim Rabbani stressed while inaugurating a two-day mango festival at the Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture (MNSUA) on Friday.

He emphasised the need to increase mango production in the country and noted that the fruit could help earn significant foreign exchange through export. He pointed out that the collaboration of universities and research institutions could be beneficial in this regard.

The official also emphasised the need for proper packaging and care of the mangoes.

Addressing the ceremony, MNSUA Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed Rajwana said that small trees had been cultivated on more than 10,000 acres due to the efforts of the university, which had increased mango production.

South Punjab Agriculture Secretary Saqib Ali Ateel mentioned that the trench and raised bed systems made it possible to cultivate mangoes in a larger area. He highlighted the importance of proper water use in mango cultivation.