Pakistan eyes 125,000 tons mango $125m in export revenue

KARACHI: Pakistan is aiming to export 125,000 tons of mangoes this season; export operations will start from 25 May 2025, however, mango production in Pakistan is consistently declining due to climate change and water scarcity.

“There is a risk of up to 20 per cent reduction in total mango production this year as well,” Waheed Ahmed, patron of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA) warned.

He said Pakistan typically produces around 1.8 million tons of mangoes annually, with 70 per cent of the crop grown in Punjab, 29 per cent in Sindh, and 1 per cent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “After the projected 20 per cent decline, this season’s total production may come down to around 1.4 million tons,” he added.

Highlighting broader challenges, Waheed Ahmed said, “Climate change is a serious challenge for agriculture, and increasing water scarcity is affecting mango production.”

There is a pressing need for provincial-level initiatives, including better water management, the development of climate-resilient mango varieties, research and development, and modernization of the entire agriculture sector, including horticulture.

If the export target is achieved, the country could earn an estimated $100 million in foreign exchange, the association said on Thursday.

The export target for the current season is 25,000 tons higher than last year’s figure. However, climate challenges may impact the overall supply of mangoes.

Waheed Ahmed also said that efforts are underway to boost mango exports to non-traditional markets.

“In addition to our regular buyers, we are targeting Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Australia, while placing special focus on expanding in Turkey and China,” he said.

He further revealed that South Africa is expected to open its market for Pakistani mangoes this season.

“Quarantine experts from South Africa will visit Pakistan during the season, and we hope this will pave the way for mango exports to begin there,” he went on to add.

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