KARACHI:
Almost 70% mangoes in Punjab have been damaged by climatic hazards, causing shortage of the fruit in the local market, which has caused an unusual jump in the prices of mangoes across the country.
The damage in Punjab, which produces 65% of the fruit, has also risked export targets this year as the country is unlikely to meet the 0.1-million ton of export target during the current season.
According to PFVA chairman Waheed Ahmed, the growers, traders and exporters associated with mango have faced billions of rupees worth losses following the fresh damage.
“Pakistan’s horticultural sector has become most vulnerable to global warming and other climatic changes. To effectively deal with the growing situation for horticultural products, the government needs to take steps on an emergency basis,”said Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) Research and Development Chairman Waheed Ahmed.
