The research, management and marketing sectors play vital role in promotion of mango production to sufficiently meet domestic requirements and earn foreign exchange by its exports.
The dissemination of latest knowledge about the research work and creation of awareness about enhanced productivity measures among the growers have significant importance to enhance mango production in the country.
These views were expressed at a seminar organised by the Horticultural Foundation of Pakistan in close collaboration of Export Promotion Bureau and Pakistan Science Foundation here on Wednesday.
They said the event has provided an excellent opportunity to asses the improvement and progress made in mango and dates production, processing and marketing within the country and efforts being made to boost exports.
There is need of close harmony between growers, processors, consumers, exporters, research and extension workers. The show would also be of immense educational value, beside motivating healthy sense of competition between growers and manufacturers of mango products to further improve the quality of their produce and value added products.
President Horticulture Foundation of Pakistan Dr Saeed Ahmed said the mango expo-2005, is being organised somewhat early this year to provide an opportunity to Sindh growers to participate.
He said the quality of mango and dates grown in Pakistan is superior and demand for the quality produces on increase within the country and abroad.
There is a great scope for improvement in packing and streamlining marketing to compete in the world markets. So that there is need to present our produce in accordance with international standards and procedures, he said.
Great geo-political changes have taken place across our borders and with normalcy returning in Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics, new horizon would open up.
Bright prospects and possibilities exist to introduce tropical and sub-tropical commodities and their products in these countries.
The government, growers and the processors must avail these opportunities and plan to derive benefit, from these developments. Many countries are already striving hard to gain foot-hold in these areas.
Pakistan due to having varied climate can ship commodities, which cannot be grown in most countries in apparent competition. Mango is only one such commodity. Other sub-tropical fruits and vegetables would find ready markets.
Important outlets also exist in Far East. Importers in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong have shown interest in importing "Shindhri", Chonsa and Began-Pali varieties of mango from Pakistan, Japan and China are potential markets need to be probed.
Malformation of mango inflorescence, tendency of alternate hearing and incidence of insect pests are yield and quality lowering factors, which are still awaiting solutions.
Incidence of powdery mildew in recent years has adversely affected the production of mango. Beefing up research efforts are needed to tackle these and many more problems facing the cultivation of mango and other fruits.
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