LAHORE: As many as 1.7 million tonnes mango production is expected this year, almost 90 percent of the total capacity. It was stated by Progressive Mango Growers Multan (PMGM) president Muhammad Tariq Khan while talking to APP here on Sunday.
He urged the government to take effective measures for increasing export of mangoes in order to earn substantial foreign exchange for the country.
He said that due to climatic hazards in last years, 40 percent decline was witnessed in domestic production of mango crop.
After reduced exports during the last three years, some growers and exporters are optimistic to achieve export target of 100,000 ton mangoes this year.
Tariq Khan called for effective communication among growers, exporters and the government and added that only 64,000 tonnes mangoes were exported in 2015 against the 120,000 tonnes export in 2013. He said this was the "lowest export" in last five years.
He added that it was the responsibility of the government and exporters to plan a vibrant and comprehensive policy to ensure higher exports.
He also advised mango growers to maintain quality of the fruit to be able to get proper price in national and international markets.
Exporters had set a target of 100,000 tonnes export this year with an expected earning of over $75 million foreign exchange for the country, he added.
He said that exporters should try to tap new markets such as China, Russia, Iran, Belarus and Middle East countries, besides catering to traditional markets.
"We need to focus on research and development for improving quality of fruit as per demand in international markets," he said. Meanwhile, All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association president Waheed Alam hoped 35000 ton increase in mango exports this year.
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