Climate change cuts Pakistan's mango production by 15%

Pakistan has witnessed a third consecutive decline in Mango production due to which the South Asian country missed export targets in the summer season, according to the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (APFVEA).

The agriculture-based economy is expected to begin summer fruit export from May 20. As many as 100,000 tonnes of mangoes will be exported this year, which is 25 tonnes less than the previous season.

APFVEA officials attributed the decline to environmental change, which has been seriously impacting agriculture.

Association’s chief Waheed Ahmed said climate change severely impacted Mangeos production, leading to a significant decline in exports. 

“The export target could not be completed last year, due to the unavailability of good quality mangoes,” he said.

“Inflated electricity, gas, transportation, fertilizers, and water expenses increased problems in exports. The vulnerable changes in climate, causing a decline in production,” Ahmed explained.

The APFVEA chief lamented on lack of measures from federal and provincial levels to protect the agricultural sector from the effects of climate. 

He demanded research-based solutions to address this issue urgently, "otherwise, mango production and export would be at risk."

However, this year the country would earn $90 million in trade of mangoes.