Arooj Zulfiqar

Extreme weather patterns have drastically slashed Pakistan's mango production, posing a serious threat to the country's fruit export industry, reports WealthPK. “Over the past decade, Pakistan has consistently ranked among the world's top producers of mangoes, often referred to as the ‘king of fruits.’ However, recent years have seen a sharp decline in production due to erratic weather conditions. Unseasonal rains, prolonged winters, and sudden heatwaves have combined to create a hostile environment for mango cultivation, drastically affecting yield and quality,” said Dr Nurullah, a senior scientific officer at National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC). He said that the current climate patterns were unprecedented. "We are seeing weather extremes that are outside the normal range for mango cultivation. These conditions have not only reduced overall yields but also impacted the quality of the fruit, making it less suitable for export," he said. He said the economic implications of this decline were profound.

“Mangoes are a significant export commodity for Pakistan, contributing substantially to the national economy. The reduction in production means fewer mangoes available for export, which could result in decreased foreign exchange earnings and a negative impact on the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.” Nurullah said to mitigate these effects, there was an urgent need to invest in research and development to breed climate-resilient mango varieties that can withstand the new weather patterns. “Additionally, modern farming techniques and better resource management are essential for adapting to the changing climate.” Meanwhile, Shahid Hussain, a mango exporter, emphasised the need for a coordinated approach. "We need a comprehensive strategy that includes everything from better irrigation systems to advanced pest control methods. The government must support farmers with subsidies and training to help them adapt to these challenges," he stated. Despite these efforts, the road to recovery may be long and arduous. Farmers are already feeling the pinch, with many reporting significant losses this season. “The impact of climate change on agriculture is not limited to mangoes alone.

Other crops are also experiencing reduced yields, and the agricultural sector as a whole is under threat. This calls for a holistic approach to address the broader issue of climate change and its impact on food security,” said Waheed Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association. He said due to the impact of climate change and low production, exporters had reduced this year’s mango export target to 100,000 tonnes from 125,000 tonnes last year. “This reduction highlights the severity of the situation and underscores the need for immediate action to safeguard the future of Pakistan's mango industry.” The country’s mango production has declined for the third year in a row. Pakistan produces about 1.8 million tonnes of the fruit annually, with the lion’s share of 70% coming from Punjab, followed by Sindh with 29% and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 1%. Due to weather effects, mango production in Punjab is expected to be 35-40% lower this year, while less than 20% in Sindh. As a result, the total production is feared to be reduced by 600,000 tonnes.

Credit: INP-WealthPk