ISLAMABAD: Pakistani growers have been provided ‘mango graders’ by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to help boost production and export of the fruit.

At a Mango Gala held on Monday, USAID Mission Director Jerry Bisson and Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Dr Yusuf Zafar said that at least thirteen mango farmers received mango graders worth more than $750,000.

Under the project’s grant programme, USAID has provided state-of-the-art, custom-made, automated mango graders are being utilised for the first time to grade export quality mangoes during the 2017 season.

“The US government, through USAID, is determined to increase access to new markets for Pakistani mango farmers, while ensuring compliance with international grading standards and export protocols,” Mr Bisson said. “We want to make Pakistani mangoes as competitive as they can be in the international markets,” he added.

Mr Zafar expressed his appreciation for the generous contribution from the United States in supporting this sector of Pakistan’s agriculture industry.

Nepalese Ambassador Sewa Lamsal Adhikari also attended the gala to learn more about the Pakistani mango sector.

The Mango Gala showcased USAID’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s mango sector. The event also brought together public and private mango sector stakeholders to discuss export trends and explore new opportunities.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2017