Pakistani mango sweetens
world markets
Pakistani mangoes are high
in fibre, low in calories and contain a small amount of
carbohydrates, calcium, iron, potassium and a little
protein. They are rich in vitamins A, B and C and also
contain other antioxidant vitamins. There are a number of
varieties of this fruit including Sindhri, Langra, Dusehri,
Anwar Rataul, Gulab Khas, Sunera, Chaunsa, Black Chaunsa,
White Chaunsa, Began Phali, Fajri etc. All of these diverse
varieties have distinctive colours, aromas and tastes.
Because of its excellent
flavour, attractive fragrance, beautiful shades of colour,
delicious taste and healthful value, Pakistani mango is
recognised as one of the best of its kind in the world
market.
With a production of 1.8
million tonnes per year, Pakistan is among the leading mango
producers and is considered the original and natural habitat
of mangoes.
Punjab has the major share
of mango production with 64 per cent whereas Sindh produces
35 per cent and KPK produces one per cent of the fruit.
Pakistani mangoes are high in fibre, low in calories and
contain a small amount of carbohydrates, calcium, iron,
potassium and a little protein.
They are rich in vitamins
A, B and C and also contain other antioxidant vitamins.
There are a number of
varieties of this fruit including Sindhri, Langra, Dusehri,
Anwar Rataul, Gulab Khas, Sunera, Chaunsa, Black Chaunsa,
White Chaunsa, Began Phali, Fajri etc. All of these diverse
varieties have distinctive colours, aromas and tastes.
It has been observed that in the past few years the
production of quality mangoes is on the decrease. Pakistan
was expected to produce around 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes
this year.
The crop faced huge losses
due to abnormal weather events and changing weather patterns
in upper Punjab.
According to a report,
mangoes production has faced an overall reduction of 35 per
cent with 10-15 per cent in Sindh and 40 per cent, 50 per
cent and 60 per cent in Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh and
Multan respectively.
Experts cite long winter
season and abnormal rains in February and March as major
reasons for the loss in production.
Although Pakistan is among the top countries to produce
quality mangoes, four to five per cent of total production
is exported.
Last year Pakistan
exported 90,714 tonnes of mangoes worth $48 million and this
year the government is expecting to export 120,000 tonnes,
which is 30 per cent higher than the previous year and a
revenue of $60 million is expected from this export.
This increased revenue is
expected because some measures have been taken to enhance
the quality of the fruit and it has resulted in gaining good
price i.e. $400-500 per metric tonne as compared to the
previous year’s $250-300.
“Around 3,000 tonnes of mangoes have been exported to earn
$1.25 million since the start of export season on May 20,”
says Waheed Ahmed, Chairman Research and Development, All
Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and
Merchant Association’s (PFVA).
“Mangoes are being exported
to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran,
Afghanistan, CIS countries and Oman, among others.”
Waheed was hopeful
that the export target set by the government will be
achieved easily as both the rate and quantity are
satisfactory.
He attributes improved earnings to the steps taken by the
government of imposing ban on use of wooden boxes for fruit
and vegetable exports and use of good agriculture practices.
“Wooden boxes were not only responsible for 10-15 per cent
damage to the fruit but there was also a danger of carrying
pests and diseases.
That was why we were unable to get good rates for our
commodity in the international market,” Chairman PFVA
explains.
Availability of more hot water treatment plants in the
country has a major role in rising export to the valued
markets, especially European markets.
A senior official from Agro Food Division, Trade Development
Authority tells TNS that the number of hot water treatment
plants has increased to 29 in 2015 from three last year.
“We have established a number of hot water treatment
facilities for mangoes to ensure pest-free export,” says the
official. “These plants have the capacity to treat 2,000 to
2,500 tonnes of mangoes per day.”
The official reveals that a delegation from Iran Quatrain
Department is in Pakistan nowadays. “Several tasks have been
completed regarding increase of export to Iran and in future
Iran is going to be a big market for Pakistani mangoes.”
However the officials of Trade Development Authority are
silent on the issue of $2.8 million Vapour Heat Treatment (VHT)
plant imported by the Trade Development Authority of
Pakistan (TDAP) from Japan in August 2013, which reportedly
is dumped at the warehouse backyard of Expo Centre Karachi.
Fruit exporters had requested the TDAP to assign
management and operation of this plant. However, to date
their requests have not been responded.
Fruit exporters say that the installation of a commercial
VHT plant is crucial for the enhancement of exports.
Director General Agro Division Dr Usman Hassan, while
contacted regarding the plant issue, said that only chairman
can speak on the issue.
Sources in the division tell TNS that three meetings
regarding the installation and activation of the plant have
been postponed and the fourth is scheduled for June 9.
The plant will be operated on public private partnership
basis and Agro Food Division has hired a consultant to chalk
out the procedure. After determining the cost, private
sector will be invited for bidding.
In the absence of this VHT plant, Japanese market will
remain closed for Pakistani mangoes.
The Japan government has already approved the quality of
Pakistani mangoes. But Pakistan is missing that huge market
due to the absence of VHT facilities.
According to experts, Pakistan can easily export mangoes
worth $4-5 million annually if VHT plants are installed to
meet the laid down requirements.
Pakistan will face a strict competition from India, one of
the world’s largest mango exporters, in tapping the European
market. This comes after the EU lifted the ban on Indian
mangoes in January this year.
Brussels had outlawed Indian mangoes in May 2014 as pests
were found in the consignments.