Export of mangoes to begin from 20th
KARACHI: Pakistan will start mango export from May 20, and exporters are hoping to cross the 100,000 tonnes target amid expectations of more orders at better prices.
Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) has forecast better revenue and enhanced volume of export after the ban on wooden crates for exporting the perishable item.
Chairman PFVA Research and Development Waheed Ahmed said mango exports would fetch $60 million as compared to $48m (94,000 tonnes) exported last year.
He said mango production is estimated at 1.8 million tonnes this year despite huge losses caused by climatic hazards in the upper Punjab.
The climatic change like rain, thunder storm, and prolonged winter season badly affected the crop in Punjab causing collectively 30-35 per cent decline in mango production from the province against its share of 64pc in the country.
Mango production in Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffar Garh and Multan is expected to face reduction by 25, 50 and 60pc, respectively, this year.
Waheed said country can easily export mango worth $100 million during the next three years by applying internationally recognized standard of packaging of quality fruit produced through introduction of modern farming practices.
He expected 100 per cent increase in export to European countries this year with 10,000 tonnes as compared to 4,700 tonnes last year.
Around 29 hot water treatment plants had been arranged this year as compared to the three plants last year to export quality and healthy fruit to European markets.
These plants had the capacity to treat 2,000-2,500 tonnes of mango daily which would help export disease-free fruit this year.
He showed his concerns over the VHT plant which is yet to be installed. In the absence of this plant, Japanese market would remain closed for Pakistani mango.
Exporters are trying to tap other markets of Russia, China and Australia. A special delegation would visit to China to carry out survey of the Chinese market for Pakistani mango.
Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2015
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