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| | GEO Business | | 65pc of mango export target achieved | Updated at: 1332 PST, Thursday, July 30, 2009
 LAHORE: Export of mango is in progress satisfactorily and export target is likely to be exceeded by around 15 to 20 thousand tons.
All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Importers Association chairman Abdul Wahid told Geo News that 80,000 tonnes of mangoes have been exported to Gulf countries by July of current year, adding 65 percent of target of mango export has been achieved during the current season.
Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Board Shamoon Sadiq said here Wednesday said, "So far 75 thousand tonnes mango has been exported against the target of one lakh tonnes for the current season while exports during the same period last year were well below 50 thousand tons."
He said sufficient quantity of the king of fruits is available both in Sindh and Punjab and keeping in view its demand in the international market, it can be said that target would be surpassed substantially as exports would continue for another one and half months till September 15.
The CEO said a comprehensive plan is being implemented for doubling earnings from mango exports during the next five years.
He said under the plan special focus is being given to meet international quarantine and quality standards which would help us exploit our real potential for exports to high-quality sensitive market of Europe.
He said in countries like Germany mango is not sold by weight but by piece with one piece fetching as high as $4. However, he said, consumers there are very sensitive about international quality standards and the systems through which food items are provided adding various steps like meeting global GAP (good agriculture practices) requirements have been taken while more steps are being taken to fully meet international standards for pre and post harvest handling of mangoes.
He said a proposal is under consideration to build pack houses in mango growing areas of Punjab and Sindh with first one likely to be built during the current fiscal in Multan with capacity of 10 tonnes per hour.
He said as pack houses would have facilities of grading, desapping, cold storage, packing etc it would help lend boost to exports.
He said efforts are also afoot to take mango by sea to Europe and China. " Last year a consignment was sent to Germany which was partial success but this year we have achieved complete success."
He said China is a big producer of Mango but its requirements of mango is higher than production and if we succeed to take mango there by sea we can increase our exports substantially as China is a big market. |  |
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