Pakistani mango exports up 25%
Pakistan’s mango exports jumped 25 percent during the ongoing season due to high demand for the fle…Pakistan’s mango exports jumped 25 percent during the ongoing season due to high demand for the fleshy tropical fruit by Muslim consumers in the holy month of Ramazan, official data showed on Tuesday.
Overseas shipments of the fruit by the Pakistani traders increased to 31,782 tons up till June, 19, 2016, compared with 25,511 tons in the same period last year, according to figures from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP).
The shipments starting on May 20, and are expected to continue through the end of October. Analysts said Ramazan was one of the key reasons for this increase in demand, however, the ban on wooden crates (boxes) for fruit and vegetable exports is expected to have also played a role.
Surges in exports have been seen in the UK, up 94 percent compared to last year, followed by UAE with 51 percent and Oman up 44 percent.
However, exports to Iran have declined to 6,894 tons from 9,204 tons last year, after some Pakistani consignments were intercepted in Iran on the discovery of fruits flies.
Analysts believe that recent government support has contributed to mango exports. Better post-harvest treatments such as hot water treatment plants, has also played a role.
Pakistan has set mango export target at 100,000 tons, hoping to achieve $75 million in foreign exchange. Exports totalled 72,000 tons last season, the lowest level in the last five years.