Mango Export Processing Zone will be formally established at Multan soon after documentation, said Shamoon Sadiq, chief executive officer Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Board (PHDEB). Addressing a meeting of the Mango Growers Association (MGA) here, he said that the government has stepped up efforts to increase exports from Multan, the hub of south Punjab and a mango cluster area. "Pakistani mango is liked the world over by connoisseurs of fresh fruits," he said, adding that after signing MoUs with China and Iran, we will commence trial shipments of the fruit this season to both countries in containers by land routes."
He observed that our superb mango varieties Samar Behisht and Chaunsa should be ensured proper handling and value-addition to give these the right exposure in world markets. "We are working on the formation of mango co-operatives to facilitate growers in production and marketing of their crop," he added.
In his briefing to the PHDEB chief, MGA president Syed Zahid Gardezi said that Pakistani mango has a tremendous export potential and can earn handsome foreign exchange for the country. He said: "The mango belt covers a wide area, from Sahiwal in the Punjab to Mirpur Khas and Hyderabad in Sindh." He urged PHDEB help in establishing mango processing industry and infrastructure for value-added exports of the fruit from this area.
Earlier, chief operational officer PHDEB Mohammad Iqbal outlined the formation of the proposed mango co-operatives, assisted by the Board's technical manager Dr Ejaz Ahmed.