According to Mettis Global News, Pakistani mango production may drop by 50% this year due to climate change such as high temperature.
Climate change, electricity and diesel shortages, increased packaging and processing costs and shipping costs have put pressure on the country's mango growers and exporters.
The Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Importers and Exporters Association (PFVA) has set its export target at 125,000 tonnes, a cut of 25,000 tonnes from the previous season, given the drop in mango production this season.If this new target is achieved, Pakistan will receive 106 million US dollars (about 712 million yuan) in foreign exchange.
According to Waheed Ahmed, the general patron of PFVA, the production of mangoes has been severely affected this season due to climatic effects such as high temperatures.The average annual production of mangoes in Pakistan is 1.8 million tons, and if production is reduced by 50%, it may fall to less than 900,000 tons.
Ahmed further stated that this season Pakistani mango production and exports are facing the most severe challenges in the history of the country's mango season.The devaluation of the Pakistani rupee, rising labor costs, and high electricity and natural gas prices have greatly increased the cost of mango processing.Packaging material prices have also risen by 30 percent since the last season, making it difficult for mango exporters to compete in the international market.
In addition, the substantial increase in sea freight has also seriously affected the competitiveness of Pakistani mangoes.Last year, sea freight in the Gulf region and Dubai was US$1,900 (about 12,800 yuan) per container, but this year, the sea freight rate has risen by 2,800-3,000 US dollars (about 18,800-20,100 yuan).There are fears that with the simultaneous increase in air freight, the cost of air freight for mangoes will also increase significantly.
If climatic disasters such as rains, storms and strong winds recur, the mango production decline could worsen in the coming months, with a severe negative impact on exports.
Ahmed said the government should provide a 20% subsidy on sea and air transport to reduce export costs and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani mangoes in the international market.
