Pakistan: Mango export targets off mark

Pakistan is going to miss the mango export target this year, again, as it has only managed to ship a…

Pakistan is going to miss the mango export target this year, again, as it has only managed to ship about 62,000 tons so far against the target of 120,000 tons.

The primary reason, experts say, is poor arrangements to meet the demand of international clients by complying with packaging and hygiene standards.

For the previous year, the mango export target was 90,000 tons, which was also not achieved. This year too, it seems impossible to reach the goal because of the slow pace of exports. However, shipments will continue until mid-October.

Statistics show,so far, around 62,000 tons of mangoes have been dispatched to different countries as opposed to 72,439 tons in the corresponding period of last year. In the current season, the highest volume, estimated at 30,680 tons, has gone to the United Arab Emirates compared to 39,645 tons in the same period of last year. This is followed by exports to Iran which has received 12,843 tons compared to 9,955 tons last year whereas Oman is the third largest importer purchasing 5,770 tons against 11,900 tons in the previous year.

To European nations, mango exports from Pakistan have increased from last year’s 4,132 tons to 5,964 tons this year. Among these markets, the United Kingdom is a major importer with 4,161 tons against 2,318 tons last year.

However, no significant rise has been recorded in shipments to other European Union member states – the dismal performance is blamed on poor packaging and hygiene standards followed in Pakistan.

Below par quality
Pakistan produces, on average, 1.7 million tons of mangoes per annum and this year output has come down by 150,000 to 200,000 tons. Exports constitute only 4% to 5% of the total production.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board Chairman Fawad Ishaq pointed to inadequate number of hot water treatment plants, which dealt with fruit flies, for the weakening exports as many countries were wary of the insect-infested fruit.

However, he said, Pakistan had not received any major complaints from its clients, adding the horticulture board was considering establishing more hot water treatment plants with latest technology in all major cities to meet the demand of importers.

Seeing a significant potential for mangoes and kinnows, he voiced hope that exports would increase substantially in the next five to seven years.