The Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (YAAS) and project groups from South and Southeast Asian countries have initiated the South and Southeast Mango Network (SSMN) at the workshop on research and development of mango industry held on September 29 in China’s city of Kunming.
Major mango producers in the south and southeast Asia collaborated to set up the SSMN, intent on combating an industry that has long been plagued by poor varieties, diseases and pests, as well as unmatched supply in the mango industry.
In 2020, for example, Pakistan suffered from appalling locust attacks, which took a heavy toll on the nation’s mango production. Dr. Chen Xiuhua, Deputy-Director of International Cooperation Division of YASS and Secretary-General of SSMN, stated that, against this background ‘We will soon invite Pakistan to join the Network and make concerted efforts to boost the mango industry in south and southeast countries’.
According to information, SSMN has currently attracted 17 members, including one international organization and research institutions from eight countries, including China, Iran, Thailand and Myanmar.