LAHORE : Changes in the weather, a lack of electricity and diesel, a rise in the cost of packaging and processing, and high freight costs have created a crisis for both mango exporters and mango growers this mango season. This year, climate change and high temperatures will cause Pakistan’s mango production to drop by half.
All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA) has lowered its export goal by 25,000 tons compared to last year because mango production is down this season. The new export goal for the mango season is 125,000 tons. If Pakistan meets this new goal, it will get $106 million in valuable foreign exchange.
Waheed Ahmed, who is the Patron-in-Chief of PFVA, says that climate change and high temperatures have had a big impact on mango production this season. Pakistan grows an average of 1.8 million tons of mangoes each year, but if that number was cut by 50%, it would only be able to grow 0.9 million tons.
During this year’s mango season, the average temperature in the middle of March was between 37 and 42, while the average temperature during the last mango season was 34. The sudden rise in temperature has done a lot of damage to mango production. Irrigation problems, a lack of water because of clogged canals, power load shedding, and a lack of diesel during the season have all made the effects of the weather even worse, as Waheed Ahmed explained.
Waheed Ahmed went on to say that he was very worried about the fact that mango production and export are going through some of the hardest times in the history of mango seasons. The cost of processing mangoes has gone up a lot because the rupee has lost value, labor costs are going up, and electricity and gas prices are high. Since last season, the cost of packaging materials has also gone up by 30%. This makes it hard for mango exporters to compete on the international market.
The huge rise in sea freight has made it hard for Pakistani mangoes to stand out in a crowded market. Last year, the cost of sea freight for the Gulf and Dubai was $1,900 per container. This year, the cost has gone up to $2,800 to $3000 per container. People are worried that if air freight costs go up at the same time, the cost of shipping mangoes will also go up a lot.
If it rains, storms, or has strong winds, or if the weather changes, mango crop losses could get worse in the coming months, which would have a big effect on exports. Waheed Ahmed asked the government to give money to mango growers and exporters so that they could make up for their losses.
Waheed Ahmed said that the government should give a 20% subsidy on sea and air freight and lower PIA freight charges to lower the cost of exporting and make it easier for Pakistani mangoes to compete on the international market.
Waheed Ahmed says that in order to reach the mango export goal during this difficult season, all of the relevant government departments and authorities, such as airport and seaport authorities, customs, the plant production department, and other relevant organizations, must do everything they can to help and work together so that Pakistan can earn as much foreign currency as possible in the current difficult economic situation.
