May 9, 2019: Climatic changes posed serious challenge leading to 30 per cent reduction in mango production this year.  

In light of recommendations proposed in the Horticulture Vision -2030 tough challenges can be dealt with through development of National policy on the sector – Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in – Chief PFVA

Export season of mango would commence from 20th May 2019 and 100,000 metric ton has been fixed as export target for this year. According to Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable, Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA), the Pakistan total production of mango is 1800,000 ton, however, due to severe impact of climatic changes 30 percent reduction has been witnessed by the season leading to anticipated total production of 1200,000 ton.

Severe storms, unexpected heavy rains and hail storms have caused damage to the mango crops in Sindh is about 10% & Punjab is 35% and hence taking these unfavorable factors in to account the total production of mango stands around 1200,00 ton. 

To achieve the export target, it is imperative that besides favorable season, support and co-operation from Shipping and Airline companies, Quarantine department, A.N.F., customs and other related departments is imminent – Waheed stated. 

With increase in prices of petroleum products, the cost of domestic transportation and logistics have also been revised upward, while devolution of Pak Rupees, the freight charges have also been raised by Airlines & Shipping companies making it further difficult for the exporters to remain competitive in the International markets – Waheed elaborated. 

Last year 75000-ton mango was exported while the country is anticipated to earn foreign exchange of US$ 80 million by exporting 100,000-ton mango during the current season. China & USA, in particular would be focus of attention for an additional export volume during this year while special mango promotions campaigns would also be conducted in EU countries – Waheed disclosed.   

Large volume of mango is exported by sea from Pakistan. 15% is exported by land routes, 15% by Air while export by sea is in proportion of 70% – Waheed stated.  

With reduction in frequency of flights this year from Pakistan announced by the Emirates Airline, it would further multiply the problems of mango exporters – Waheed deplored.  

Climatic changes have emerged as the biggest challenge for the produces of Agriculture and Horticulture Sectors – Waheed expressed with deep concern.

Thirty percent reduction in production of mango crops during the current season reinforces our concern about serious potential threat of the climatic changes – Waheed deplored.

However, no clear and well-defined policy has so far developed to safeguard Agriculture & Horticulture sectors from this severe threat – Waheed further added.  

Pakistan being an agriculture country, the export sector has substantial part in total national production in Agriculture & Horticulture sector but no policy for betterment & uplift of the Agriculture has so far been formulated.

While pressure of inflation is mounting due to   reduction in production of crops leading to financial losses, on one hand possibility of acute shortage of food can not be ruled out which is likely to have severe impact on food security and any country engulfed with food shortage, inflation and the downfall of the sector being back bone of  a country can lead to serious threat to its existence as well which subsequently poses serious threat to national security of the country – Waheed cautioned.

Keeping these major challenges in view, PFVA formulated policy for the rapid development of Horticulture sector termed as “Horticulture Vision – 2030 (HV-2030) which proposes short, medium and long-term solutions and the road map. 

In light of recommendations proposed in the HV-2030, a national policy on the Horticulture can be developed which can encounter the serious challenges in the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors.

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