RAWALPINDI: Punjab Minister for Agriculture Syed Hussain Jahanian Gardezi on Friday claimed that Pakistan was 6th largest mango producer in the world.

Addressing as a chief guest at Fourth Annual Mango Festival jointly organised by Mohammad Nawaz Sharif (MNS) Agriculture University Multan, Mango Research Institute Multan at Centaurus Mall, the minister said such exhibitions and festivals would help introduce Pakistani mango in both local and international markets.

Ambassadors of different countries were also present at the inaugural ceremony.

The Punjab agriculture minister said: “Mango is one of the major fruits of Pakistan and its area needs to be increased keeping in view the future demand in the world.”

He said as a result of such activities mango and other agricultural commodities of Pakistan would become familiar in world markets.

“Mango industry is the second major fruit industry in the Pakistan. Over 300 mango cultivars are grown in the country with Sindhri, Summer Behisht Chaunsa, Dusehri, Anwar Ratole, Langra, Malda, Fajri, Sufaid Chaunsa, Kala Chaunsa and Rotole-12 being the major cultivars,” he said.

He said that the share of Punjab in the Mango production in country is 70pc. The Pakistan mango is known for its aroma and taste in the international market particularly in the Middle East, England and Europe.

“Punjab government is making efforts to improve quality of mango to fetch its better price in the international market,” he said.

On this occasion, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce President Yasir Ilyas said that it was time ro increase export of mango.

He said the Centaurus Mall administration would facilitate the government for such agricultural festivals and exhibitions in future.

Multan agriculture university vice chancellor Dr Asif Ali said that university was working for the promotion of mango.

He said the university was introducing latest technology among mango growers and also providing training regarding modern production technology.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2021