This is exactly what has taken place at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) where scientists have unveiled 10 new domestic mango varieties to increase production, fight diseases and gain a strong foothold in the international market.
It was revealed on Wednesday at the Punjab Agricultural Research Board’s (PARB) concluding seminar on 150 mango projects titled ‘Characterisation of native and potential mango varieties in relation to Ceratocystics manginecans and other economic traits’, arranged by the university.
UAF Vice Chancellor and Project Manager Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the scientists analysed 471 germplasms of mangoes from four different areas of the country including AJK and selected 10 for plantation.
“The varieties have high potential and these will be commercialised so that the country can earn heavy foreign exchange,” he said, adding the country was fortunate to have such rich mango germplasms.
While comparing the country to others, he said the United States has drawn up a comprehensive plan to double production of all major grains. “We have to develop the mechanism in order to meet the demand of a growing population.”
It was a matter of grave concern that 40% of Pakistani children were suffering from malnutrition, he said and urged scientists, educators and policymakers to devise a mechanism to tackle the challenge.
Dr Louis Ferguson of the University of California, Davis said they were launching four major mango projects in collaboration with the UAF aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, diversified cultivation and developing value-added products including mango leather and edible mango seed oil.
“Pakistan is the fourth largest mango producing country in the globe and by adopting international standards, it can earn heavy foreign exchange,” she said.
Punjab Director General Research Dr Abid Mahmood said they had launched a project called Controlled Atmosphere Technology in an effort to meet international standards. He suggested that the mangoes that are less sweet should be exported to countries where people like the fruit having mild taste.
Punjab Agricultural Meat Company Chairman Mumtaz A Khan Manais said mango plantations were facing many threats like fruit fly attack and sudden death. He urged the scientists to play their role in this regard and suggested that the UAF should strengthen the disease-free mango nursery mechanism.
He pointed out that India was recovering edible oil worth Rs10-12 billion from mango seeds whereas Pakistan was importing edible oil worth $3 billion per annum.
Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Satar said the project was designed to characterise, evaluate and conserve generic resources not only for its intrinsic worth but also to increase the varieties for exports.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 11th, 2014.
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@unbelievable: Walmart China placed order some times back, and is doing well. An indicator for the Worlds largest retailing chain has direct order for Pakistan. We should rely on the global markets, and not be influenced by the US. Which ever customer give us good price, will be our dearest customer.
Lots of Mango articles but the reality is that your total Mango export market is tiny and you don't spent the money necessary to make inroads into the American market which dominates Mango imports.