BEIJING:
Pakistan, the world’s sixth-largest exporter of mangoes, produces more than 1.2 million tonnes of the fruit every year. Yet despite cultivating over 200 unique varieties, the country manages to export only about 10% of its total produce a shortfall largely attributed to high production costs and recurring quality concerns.
Experts say the industry’s potential remains enormous but untapped. According to Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Board (PHDEB) Manager Khawar Nadeem, nearly 30% of mangoes never make it from orchards to consumers due to outdated farming practices.
In contrast, countries such as Australia and Egypt have embraced modern farming methods, including high-density plantations, advanced rootstocks, and greenhouse technologies. “While Pakistani orchards typically have 40 to 60 plants per acre, farms abroad cultivate up to 600 per acre,” Nadeem explained. “If we can transition to modern systems, productivity could multiply several times over.”
He stressed the need for genetic engineering, disease-resistant rootstock, and greenhouse facilities to combat contamination from pests and declining nursery quality. Dwarf rootstock varieties, he added, could offer greater adaptability to local soil conditions.
Rising Costs, Stagnant Growth
Beyond farming challenges, escalating costs remain a major obstacle. Bahauddin Zakariya University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Zubair Iqbal pointed to high electricity, gas, and land rates, along with complex registration processes. “For Pakistan’s mango industry to grow, input costs must fall and registration procedures must be simplified,” he said.
Iqbal also raised concerns about the absence of quality standards. “Without government-backed checks, low-grade fruit continues to enter export chains,” he remarked. “We are still focusing on raw fruit exports while ignoring the more profitable value-added sector.”
Missed Value-Added Opportunities
Both Iqbal and Nadeem underscored the importance of developing juicing, drying, pulping, and packaging units to strengthen the mango supply chain. Neighboring countries convert up to 70% of their crop into pulp, a strategy Pakistan has yet to adopt on a large scale. “If we expand into value-added products, exports could easily be tripled,” Nadeem suggested.
China: A Growing Partner
The international market, particularly China, offers fresh promise. In 2023, Pakistan’s mango shipments to China surpassed 115,000 tonnes, generating nearly $80 million. This year, the All Pakistan Fruit & Vegetable Exporters, Importers & Merchants Association (PFVA) has set a target of 125,000 tonnes valued at around $100 million.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, recently stated that the goal is to double mango exports to China within five years. Cold-chain logistics and modern preservation techniques introduced through bilateral cooperation have already halved transit times and reduced spoilage. On Chinese e-commerce platforms like JD.com and Pinduoduo, daily sales of Pakistani mangoes peaked above 50 tonnes with customer satisfaction exceeding 98%.
Zhang Qingfeng, Vice President of the China Fruit Marketing Association, praised the results, noting that advanced Chinese technologies in storage and processing are boosting returns for Pakistani exporters.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, experts believe compact storage units, vacuum-sealed packaging systems, and efficient harvesting machinery whether imported or produced locally could significantly improve quality and extend shelf life. However, Pakistan still lacks packaging facilities that meet international standards.
As demand rises in China and other global markets, Pakistan stands at a crossroads: either continue exporting raw fruit with limited gains, or invest in modern farming and value-added production to secure its place as a leading player in the global mango trade.
