Lockdowns may hit mango export target: Ahmad Jawad

KARACHI: Country mango exports kick off from today, however there are still lockdowns effect in different regions and countries of the world and flights from Pakistan are suspended or restricted. Due to this, it is feared that Pakistan’s mango exports will decrease, if situation won’t change, said PBF vice president Ahmad Jawad.

He said PIA management could arrange special cargo flights for the shipment of the mangoes to Europe and Canada if it’s required so that export target could be met easily.

Similarly Pakistani mangoes are expected to enter the Chinese market on a large scale this season. Last year, Pakistan held a mango tasting event in Shanghai and the feedback from the Chinese consumers was very positive.

The country’s annual production of mangoes was about 1.8 million tons and exports of this fruit was always in a meagre volume, more than ten years touching maximum 140,000 tons through exports was our achievement which is unfortunate.

Jawad further shared that Pakistani mangoes have unique taste. People from different countries seem to rush to buy Pakistani mangoes once it reached the US super markets. Mangoes disappear pretty soon from shops, which means our exporters should increase supply as much as they can.

“The rise in mango supply will not only benefit the exporters but also the country as it will fetch valuable foreign exchange,” he said.

As far as concern regarding production area Punjab produced 60% while Sindh around 38% and 2% produced at KP side.

He said, “I feel that Pakistani mangoes have that much potential that you can send and export anywhere in the word and all nationalities would love this due to its rich aroma provided Ministry of Commerce may initiate mango diplomacy too and in return the dividends will be amazing.”

Similarly country doesn’t have ripening centres, lack of processing units including HWT plants in the production areas. If we set up these facilities under public-private partnership, then 70% production will be lifted by sea and mango export volumes also increase substantially, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021