Crisis Hits Pakistan’s Mango Industry as Climate Change and Water Shortage Worsen

Pakistan’s mango industry, once celebrated for producing some of the world’s most aromatic and flavorful mangoes, is now facing a severe crisis. As climate change intensifies and water shortages persist, farmers across Sindh and Punjab are sounding the alarm on declining yields, falling exports, and poor government support.

Sindh Chamber of Agriculture’s Senior Vice President Nabi Bux Sathio summed it up: “We’ve seen a 15-20% fall in mangoes this year due to premature fruit drop and acute water shortages during flowering and fruiting seasons.”

The warning signs are clear: If swift action isn’t taken, one of Pakistan’s top fruit exports could lose its global relevance and become unsustainable.

Climate Change and Water Shortages Devastate Mango Yield

Pakistan’s mango industry is heavily dependent on a fragile ecological balance. With Sindh’s mango orchards covering over 100,000 acres and Punjab hosting the renowned Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol varieties, the two provinces contribute a majority share to the nation’s mango production.

Yet, erratic weather patterns, dust storms, rising temperatures, and water scarcity from the Indus River system have led to lower fruiting and poor-quality harvests.

“Farmers need at least four irrigation cycles to ensure proper fruit development and sweetness,” says Sathio. “But water was simply not there when it was needed most.”

Despite the economic importance of mangoes, the crop remains uncategorized—neither major nor minor—which leaves it out of crucial government planning and budgetary allocation.

Farmers Demand Policy Reforms and Targeted Support

Growers and experts are united in their demand for the government to take decisive action to rescue Pakistan’s mango industry. Their recommendations include:

• Setting national production targets for mangoes
• Guaranteed water availability during the critical harvest period
• Extension support and climate-resilient technologies
• Infrastructure investment for mango treatment and processing

Currently, Sindh produces over 60% of the country’s mangoes, while Multan, Bahawalpur, and DI Khan dominate the Punjab belt. However, lack of coordination and absence of region-specific policies are compounding post-harvest losses.

Learn more about Pakistan’s climate change adaptation policies

Why Post-Harvest Practices Are Key to Mango Exports

Dr. Aasia Akbar Panhwar, Associate Professor at Sindh Agriculture University, explains that poor post-harvest handling is a silent killer of exports.

“Simple mistakes like improper harvesting or packaging can lead to high rejection rates in international markets,” she says.

She notes that the Institute of Sciences and Technology has begun training farmers in:

• Hot Water Treatment (HWT) to kill fruit fly larvae
• Mechanical brushing to remove field debris
• Controlled de-sapping to reduce blemishes
• Humidity-maintaining packaging to retain freshness

These low-cost innovations have already helped reduce export rejection rates and improve pricing for those who adopted them.

Modern Technologies That Can Save the Industry

Experts advocate the creation of centralized mango processing units in key regions like Mirpurkhas, Tando Jam, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalpur. These centers can offer:

• Hot water treatment facilities
• Mechanized grading and sorting lines
• Export-compliant packaging
• Training and demonstration hubs

This infrastructure is especially crucial for smallholder farmers, who currently lack access to essential post-harvest technologies.

External Link: Learn how India developed mango packhouses to meet export standards.

Understanding Phytosanitary Protocols

Phytosanitary protocols are vital to maintaining Pakistan’s mango industry reputation in export markets. These science-based regulations are set under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent pest and disease spread.

To access high-value markets like the USA, Japan, and EU, exporters must:

• Use HWT or vapour heat treatment
• Certify pest-free areas
• Ensure traceability through labeling
• Maintain documentation for inspection

These steps protect both the importing country’s biosecurity and the exporting country’s market access.

Integrated Protection: From Orchard to Export Crate

To protect mangoes from field to fork, a blend of pre- and post-harvest practices must be adopted:

Pre-Harvest Protection

• Bagging of fruit to prevent insect damage
• Pheromone traps to control fruit flies
• Biological pest control to minimize chemical use

Post-Harvest Protection

• Hot water and fungicide treatments
• Careful handling to avoid bruising
• Cold chain logistics for quality preservation
• Hygienic and traceable packing

Awareness campaigns and training on these practices can significantly reduce losses and enhance export competitiveness.

Internal Link Suggestion: Read about Pakistan’s agriculture research funding and reforms.

Conclusion: The Sweet Future of Pakistan’s Mango Industry

Pakistan’s mango industry stands at a crossroads. On one side lies decline driven by neglect, water stress, and climate vulnerability. On the other is the promise of renewal—through technology adoption, government intervention, and farmer education.

By investing in resilient infrastructure, complying with phytosanitary standards, and adopting scientific practices, Pakistan can reclaim its status as a top mango exporter.

The fruit that symbolizes summer joy and national pride deserves protection—not only for its economic value but also for the thousands of growers whose livelihoods depend on it.

If action is delayed, the world might soon savor fewer Pakistani mangoes—a loss too bitter to bear.