60% mango export target achieved

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Tanveer Sher
KARACHI: Pakistan's mango export during the current season has crossed 60 percent of the total set target of 125,000 tonnes, which was termed as stupendous accomplishment by leading exporters and growers of the most demanding fruit of the summer season.

During the last two months since the mango export took off, the total volumes of mango export stand at around 70,000 to 75,000 tones which is almost equal to total export achieved by the country previous year during 5 months of export period indicating brisk ongoing pace during the current season.

The outstanding increase was attributed by leading exporters on account of growing demand of the mango in Gulf countries and Iran besides higher rates of the fruit during the current season.

Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board (PHDEB) has fixed an export target of 125,000 tonnes of mangoes this year (2009 season), and keeping in view the present exports figure, the Board is hopeful that it will achieve this target.

Abdul Wahid, Chairman All Pakistan Vegetable and Fruit exporters Association, replying to a query of the scribe hoped to get $50 million through export of mangoes this year.

Although there is a huge potential to capitalise the high end markets, but this would only be possible if we can comply with quarantine requirements of the importers.

An important component is to establish required infrastructure such as packing houses with hot water dip facilities and cold storage at production areas.

In response to a question, he said that Germany has a great potential for Pakistani mangoes provided our farmers and exporters fulfill their requirements such as GlobalGap and other certain certifications.

He said importers from Germany had assured him that if their requirements were fulfilled there would be no issue in buying mangoes from Pakistan.

Mango Development Strategy devised by PHDEB for the current year has the plan to target new markets such as China, Jordan, Germany and USA.

In response to another question he claimed that the mango export target of $80 million by the year 2011-12 would be achievable if the Ministry of Commerce and MINFAL extends cooperation and required support to the exporters towards enhancing export goals.

An official of the PHDEB plans to expand GlobalGAP scheme, aimed at enhancing mango export and other fruits export to bring maximum orchards under, which will ultimately support in enhancing mango and other fruits exports to the higher end markets.

It was expected that 3,000 acres mango orchards would get GlobalGAP certification in Punjab and 2000 in Sindh. While three awareness seminars on SPS, one in Sindh and 2 in Punjab would be held.

The adoption of GlobalGAP standards had indicated that the possibilities for development of indigenous commodity specific standards for either local or export marketing should be initiated, he said Initially the PakGAP standards would be developed in consultations with relevant organisations/certification bodies.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg5_4