Last week, after an eight-year hiatus, mango exports from Pakistan crossed the figure of 100,000 tons last week and the season is by no means over. The next two weeks may add another 10,000 to 15,000 tons to the tally, if the exporters are to be believed. This would be a healthy sign given the last year’s figure that was around 86,000 tons. These figures do not include the unofficial trade with Iran, Afghanistan and beyond.
According to the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), which certifies official exports, the figure stood at 101,296 tons on September 3. As per the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC), the last time when mango exports crossed the 100,000-mark was 2011-12.
However, in 2013-14 the world, especially the European Union, made hot-water treatment mandatory after intercepting around 196 consignments infested with fruit-fly and threatened to ban exports. Europe led the decline in exports as they dipped to 67,000 tons. To the EU alone, exports came down to 4,000 from 30,000 tons.
The country then had only two hot-water treatment plants. The next few years saw massive investments flowing into treatment plants and their number has now risen, according to the official count, to 37 and three more are in the process of registration.
