Climatic Extremes Destroy Mangoes

Climatic Extremes Destroy Mangoes

Pakistan ranks fourth in mango cultivation in the world, after the cultivation of oranges.

In Pakistan, 1.8 million metric tons of mangoes are cultivated, of which Sindh province produces 35 percent.

However, climate change has been steadily spoiling the fruit. Cold winters followed by very hot summers have been leading to disease and lower yields.

Although Pakistan exports only 6-7 percent of mangoes to Europe, UAE and Iran – including Sindhri and Chaunsa mangoes, even these exports have been affected.

According to media reports, 100,000 metric tons of mangoes were exported last year, but this time their declining quality will cause exports to fall further.

Thousands of laborers engaged in mango production have grown disheartened as declining work in the agricultural sector has led to financial difficulties.

Agronomists say that pesticide testing laboratories are needed to enable mangoes to reach global standards.

These would enable the fruit to be exported to developed nations and fetch higher earning