100,000MTs target set for current season: mango to be exported to China through CPEC route

The export of mango from Pakistan would commence from 20th May 2018 and the export target of mango has been set as 100,000 metric tons for the current season of mango.
Devaluation of Pakistani currency coupled with the export of mango during fasting month would further enhance export revenue. As per estimates, foreign exchange of $95 to $100 million would be generated by attaining the export target of 100,000 tons. The Pakistani mango would be part of an essential menu for millions of Muslim fasting globally while its export during the holy month of Ramazan would be an added advantage for the export.
According to Waheed Ahmed, leading mango exporter and Vice President Federation Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has informed that the production of mango is expected to less than 35 percent due to bad effect of acute shortage of water and Global Warming. The CPEC route would also be utilized first time to export mango to China.
"It would be the first time that Pakistani mango would be exported to China through CPEC route and around 500-2000 tons is anticipated to be exported to China," Waheed informed.
China can emerge as a big market for Pakistani mango, once it's fully developed where 20,000 tons mango could be conveniently exported while 150 tons of mango is to be exported to Japan, he added.
Mango promotions in China, Maldives, and European countries would be held during this year to further enhance of export of mango. Iran is also an important buyer, however due to unprecedented devaluation of Iranian currency, the exporters are not expecting to get good return value of their export.
During the last season, the export target of 100,000 metric tons mango was not achieved and restricted to 81,000 tons only due to 50 percent reduction in production of mango, he added.
The Gulf countries, United Arab Emirates, Saudia Arab and European countries would be major buyers of Pakistani mangoes, however queries in abundance from Chinese buyers are pouring in, expressing keen interest for import of Pakistani mangoes, he informed.
Waheed Ahmed, who is also Patron-in-Chief of PFVA said that climate changes and global warming are serious potential threats to the production of mango and due to it's negative impact overall production of mango was 50 percent less than last year while it's continued negative impact is anticipated to lead to 35 percent less production this year.
Due to acute shortage of water, mango orchards in Sindh which includes Hyderabad District, Tando Alllah Yar, MirpurKhas would be severely affected. The same goes to Punjab where overall production of mango is anticipated to less by 30 to 50 percent in mango growing areas including Muzzafar Garh, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and Shujabad, he added.
Simultaneously with low production the smaller size of mango is also of great concern to the exporters. Due to increase in demand and shortage of supply this year, the whole sale price of mango is expected to increase from Rs 2400 to Rs 3000 per 40 kg.
He said that due to relatively longer winter season in different mango growing areas, the production has been badly hit while on other hand due to climatic changes, the mango is confronted with attacks by new diseases which would lead to low production.
The PFVA has been intensely demanding for many years to initiate Research & Development activities for effectively handing menace of the global warming so as to avert this serious threat or at least minimize severe likely impact on Horticulture sector but it's unfortunate no serious attempt has so far been made by the Government of Pakistan, Waheed deplored.
Shifting of responsibilities to the provinces for betterment of agriculture sector after enforcement of 18th amendment could not yield desired results due to lack of co-ordination among the provinces-Waheed expressed with deep concern.
He emphasized that to attain export target, it's vital to maintain political stability and good law & order in the country while cooperation and support from Airlines, Shipping companies, Customs and department of plant protection (DPP) is imperative.
He stressed upon the Airlines to keep cost of Air Freight within reasonable limit, keeping the current crises of balance of payment , Pakistan is confronted with so that increasing cost of production , making it difficult to compete in the International market can be brought down to effectively encounter competitors.