Pakistani exporters are expecting to export a total of 165,000 tonnes of mangoes this season, well above the official 140,000-tonne target, thanks to favourable growing conditions and improved productivity, reports grower-shipper Imtiaz Enterprises.
Managing director Imtiaz Hussain said Pakistani producers were predicting a good mango harvest this year as a result of good weather and better training. Picking is due to start in May.
'Targets can be surpassed substantially as exports should continue until mid-September,' Mr Imtiaz said.
Mr Imtiaz added that Pakistani growers had received considerable support from the Agribusiness Support Fund (ASF) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to improve agricultural standards and productivity, and meet international market requirements.
'With all this support, Pakistan is in a position to export a good quantity of mangoes with better fruit sizing and the availability of modern processing facilities,' he said, adding that USAID's mango programme had so far helped 21 Pakistani mango farms gain Global Gap certification.
Pakistani Honey mangoes will make their debut in Russia and China this season with the support of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Fruit and Vegetable exporters association, according to Mr Imtiaz. The event will be marked by mango exhibitions and road shows in the two countries, he said.
