Select mango growers in Punjab and Sindh increased their exports by over 60 percent and revenues by over $ 4 million over the past year with US support, it was disclosed at the US-sponsored second annual mango conference on Tuesday.
The conference was attended by mango farmers, government representatives, traders and other mango industry professionals.
“The mango industry holds great promise for Pakistan’s prosperity in general and greater revenues for the Sindh and Southern Punjab region, in particular,” said USAID Deputy Country Director Karen Freeman. “The US government and the American people remain committed to further development of Pakistan’s mango industry.”
The US assistance to Pakistan’s mango industry began in 2009 with a series of programmes meant to boost mango productivity and sales. 13 mango farms and modern mango processing facilities were established to improve the processing and storage of the fruit.
Over 4,500 farmers, extension workers and exporters were trained in harvesting and handling techniques. Moreover, the mango growers were helped in arranging shipments to new export markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Pakistan is one of the leading producers of mangos in the world but less than 5 percent of Pakistan’s mangos are exported. By improving Pakistan’s mango harvesting and handling procedures and making connections with traders in world markets, the United States hopes to help Pakistan increase its profitable mango exports and raise agricultural revenues.
