As a mango exporter, Pakistan is ranked sixth in the world. The fruit stands for Pakistan’s second-largest fruit production, after citrus. Pakistan’s mango production averages some 1.8 million tons per year and includes a number of varieties of mangoes, such as Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Sindhri, and Dussehri, which are popular with consumers around the world.
But while the Pakistani mango is considered to be one of the most delicious varieties of mango in the world, the export of Pakistani mangoes has been hampered due to a lack of access and resources regarding the international market, branding and grading of the fruit, and international export standards.
The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Pakistan Agricultural Market Development program (AMD) has worked to increase the demand for mangoes internationally and support the country’s mango industry and exportation. For example, AMD has provided substantial training and education on international export standards, grading, branding, packaging, and more. Pakistani mango exporters are also given opportunities to take part in mango exhibitions globally to reach out to international markets.
According to dnd.com.pk, USAID’s assistance in improving international export standards has already proven to be effective in enhancing mango exports. USAID has provided machinery for washing and hot water treatments for mangoes under the AMD project in addition to training on packaging techniques and coding systems in the Sindh and Punjab regions.
The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association (PFVA) has announced the target of 1.5 million tons of mango exports in 2021, which would generate revenue of $127.5 million in foreign exchange.
