Climate change, water shortages in canals and the closure of trade routes through Afghanistan and Iran have adversely affected mango production and exports in Muzaffargarh this season, according to growers and agriculture officials.
Climate change, water shortage dent mango crop
MUZAFFARGARH, Jul 18 (APP): Climate change, water shortages in canals and the closure of trade routes through Afghanistan and Iran have adversely affected mango production and exports in Muzaffargarh this season, according to growers and agriculture officials.
Data released by the Agriculture Department showed a significant decline in mango production in the district while growers said exports to Afghanistan and Iran had dropped by around 15 per cent due to the suspension of trade through the neighbouring countries.
Growers said prolonged water shortages prevented the fruit from attaining its normal size, affecting both quality and yield.
“The crop suffered extensive damage due to mealybug infestation, strong windstorms and rains, resulting in nearly a 33 per cent decline in production,” said growers Farid Khan Sherwani, Malik Usman Jarrh, Malik Ghaznafar Bhutta and Malik Manzoor Bhutta.
They urged the Punjab government and the Agriculture Department to provide technical support and take measures to address water shortages and pest attacks to safeguard future harvests.
