March 25, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 5, 1428

ISLAMABAD, March 24: Mango exports can be doubled by saving post-harvest losses and adopting healthy and quality standards.

Pakistan’s share in international mango export is not significant as compared to other countries including Brazil which has secured 37pc share alone in European Union (EU) as against one per cent of Pakistan. Our exports to Japan, USA, Germany and Australia are facing ban primarily because of Fruit Fly issue. New disease problems, for example like decline syndrome has affected its productivity.

Lack of awareness on health and hygiene and quality regulations of trading partners has also contributed negatively towards mango trade development.

According to official source the government is considering a plan for bringing about an improvement in the situation and thus enhancing productivity in line with international standards on health and hygiene and quality quoting initiatives of Mexico and Philippines in this regard, which led to enhance exports from those countries.

A proactive standard is needed for setting and value addition, particularly in mango juice, which can be sold fresh, as cocktail, pasteurised, heated and canned and can help generate additional revenue.

Mango juice industry should adopt HACCP for juice and exploit built-in capacity of juice industry by diversifying their production and exports.—APP