Climate Change: Middlemen avoid mango orchard contracts in south Punjab

MULTAN, Apr 08 (APP):A sharp decline in middlemen taking mango orchards on contract has emerged across south Punjab, signaling serious concerns for growers amid falling production due to climate change this season.

Farmers in key mango-producing districts including Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Khanewal  term the usual trend of leasing orchards to middlemen is almost absent this year due to heavily damaged crop yields.

The region, which produces nearly 70 percent of Pakistan’s mangoes, is facing a remarkable drop in output owing to adverse weather conditions. Growers report excessive flowering but minimal fruit setting, while recent hailstorms further damaged whatever crop had developed.

Local mango growers, including Laique Shikhana, Shahid Hameed Bhutta, and Malik Arif Kallur, said middlemen are reluctant to take financial risks this season as production remains highly uncertain.

Traditionally, many farmers rely on advance payments from contractors by leasing their orchards for the season. However, this year, the lack of buyers has left growers financially vulnerable, as many do not have the capacity to market and sell mangoes independently.

They urged the government to announce a support package for mango farmers, highlighting that last year’s floods had already caused 25 to 30 percent losses to orchards, leaving them with little recovery.

Growers express concerns stating that  without timely assistance, the situation could worsen, affecting both livelihoods and the overall mango supply chain in the country