South Punjab’s mango industry is facing a difficult season as climate change, shrinking export opportunities and falling market prices squeeze growers across the region.
Climate change, export woes squeeze South Punjab mango growers
By M Atif Ismail
MULTAN, Jun 09 (APP): South Punjab’s mango industry is facing a difficult season as climate change, shrinking export opportunities and falling market prices squeeze growers across the region.
Mango farmer Liaque Sheikhana of Nawabpur said unusual weather pattern has significantly damaged crop quality and fruit size this year. The popular Sindhri variety, which fetched Rs5,000 to Rs6,000 per maund in previous seasons, is now selling for around Rs3,000 per maund. “The decline in fruit quality and size has greatly affected market prices,” he said. “Production costs have increased but returns have fallen sharply.”
Liaque warned that smaller fruit size could also hurt export prospects, as international markets generally prefer larger, premium-quality mangoes. Border restrictions and limited trade with Afghanistan and Iran are further reducing access to traditional export destinations.
“In previous years, large volumes were exported, helping farmers secure better prices. This year the chances of obtaining profitable rates are much lower,” he said.
The export uncertainty has also discouraged middle men and traders from visiting orchards or making advance purchase agreements, reflecting a broader loss of market confidence.
He shared that changing weather conditions disrupted flowering, fruit development and overall productivity, making climate change one of the gravest threats to Pakistan’s mango sector.
However, the local growers including Malik Umar Hayat, Arif Kalrou, Shahid Bhutta and some others urged policymakers to develop climate-resilient agricultural strategies, improve market access and facilitate exports to protect one of the country’s most valuable fruit industries.
