ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (APP): The use of the mango bag is likely to hit nearly 10 million in 2026 as export prices jump around 70% for protected fruit, reflecting growing industry confidence in the quality-enhancement technique.
The protective bags, introduced by the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), are aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, improving fruit quality, and expanding access to premium export markets.
“This mango protection method has proved a breakthrough for growers and exporters alike,” Khawar Nadeem, Manager Agri Products PHDEC, told Wealth Pakistan.
Pakistan produces around 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes annually, yet only about 150,000 tonnes, or 8.3%, are exported — a gap largely attributed to losses caused by pests, blemishes, and handling issues. These losses reduce growers’ income and limit Pakistan’s penetration into high-end international markets.
To address the issue, PHDEC introduced fruit-protection bags that shield hanging mangoes from fruit flies, dust, and sunburn for 30 to 45 days, reducing reliance on pesticide spraying. The outcome has been improved colour, cleaner fruit, and stronger acceptance in premium markets such as Europe, America, and Japan.
In international markets, a 5kg pack of non-bagged mangoes typically sells for around $17-18, whereas the same quantity, once bagged, can command up to $30 — representing a price jump of roughly 70%.
The initiative, which began as a small pilot project, has gradually evolved into an industry-wide movement. Initially, farmers were hesitant to adopt the technique.
“We started by distributing 150,000 bags among 25 to 30 growers in Sindh and Punjab. Gradually, as farmers saw the difference in quality and prices, their response changed,” Khawar said.
In 2022, PHDEC distributed 200,000 mango bags free of charge in Punjab and Sindh. The same number was distributed in 2023 and 2024. By 2025, growers and exporters themselves procured one million bags for the season — signaling a shift from subsidized support to commercial adoption.
“Looking ahead, usage is projected to surge to nearly 10 million bags in the coming season, reflecting strong industry confidence in the technique,” Khawar said.
Currently, the mango bags are imported from China at a cost of around Rs6 per bag. Growers have called for the establishment of local manufacturing facilities to reduce costs and improve accessibility, particularly for small farmers.
Pakistan is the fifth-largest producer of mangoes. Mango remains the country’s second-largest fruit crop and a cornerstone of its horticulture exports.