KEY POINTS
- Pakistan eyes over $90 million in mango exports as the season starts
- India suffers a $500,000 loss as 15 mango shipments are rejected by the US
- Pakistan is exporting mangoes to 79 countries with its flagship varieties
- India’s export mishap sparks outrage among traders
ISLAMABAD: As the golden season of mangoes ripens in South Asia, Pakistan is preparing to sweeten its economy with an over $90 million export target, while neighbouring India finds itself biting into a string of bitter setbacks- the latest being the rejection of 15 mango shipments by the United States, resulting in a reported loss of $500,000.
This marks yet another blow in a season of stumbles for New Delhi. Just weeks earlier, India suffered a military and diplomatic bruising after launching Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam incident, only to be met with Pakistan’s forceful retaliation through Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, inflicting significant military damage.
From orchards to outposts, Pakistan appears to be stacking wins while India reels from both battlefield and trade front setbacks – a tale of mangoes and miscalculations.
Pakistan’s mango season
The Ministry of Commerce has confirmed that Pakistan will commence its 2025 mango exports on May 25, following detailed consultations with industry stakeholders.
Adhering to the Export Policy Order, the decision marks the beginning of what could be another record-breaking season for the country’s beloved fruit, known globally for its rich taste and aroma.
As the 6th largest producer and 4th largest exporter of mangoes, Pakistan grows about 1.88 million metric tons annually.
Approximately 6–7% of this yield is exported to 79 countries, led by demand from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, especially the UAE, Iran, and Afghanistan, with the latter serving as a strategic gateway to Central Asian markets.
Mango gold: $90m target
Last year, Pakistan’s mango exports generated $90 million in foreign exchange, a benchmark the country aims to repeat in 2025.
With flagship varieties like Chaunsa, Sindhri, and Anwar Ratol, Pakistan’s mangoes continue to enchant international consumers. Experts note that the Middle East, the UK, and the USA remain critical markets.
Amid climate concerns, the government is also focusing on sustainable farming and improved logistics to shield this vital sector from weather-related disruptions.
Indian mango mishap at US ports
While Pakistan gears up for a fruitful export season, India’s mango industry has stumbled — and hard.
Fifteen Indian mango consignments were rejected at US entry points in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Atlanta due to faulty documentation, specifically an incorrectly issued PPQ203 phytosanitary certificate.
The rejected shipments, all treated at a USDA-approved irradiation facility in Navi Mumbai, were forced to be destroyed in the US, as re-exporting was deemed too costly.
The mistake — which exporters blame on the Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB), has led to a $500,000 loss and sparked outrage among stakeholders.
“We’re being penalised for errors we didn’t commit,” lamented one exporter. With no pests found in the shipments, industry players say this is a case of bureaucratic negligence.
Mango diplomacy and cultural legacy
Mangoes have long served as cultural symbols and tools of soft diplomacy in the region. From Mughal-era gardens to modern-day embassies, the fruit plays a central role in bridging people and nations.
In 2023, Pakistan even hosted a mango festival in Kuwait to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.
With over 100 varieties grown across Sindh and Punjab, including Chaunsa, Sindhri, Langra, Anwar Ratol, Dusheri, Safaid Chaunsa / Nawabpuri, Neelum, Fajri, Almas, Malda, Gulab Khans, Lal Badshah, Totapuri, Alphonso, Seedless mangoes, Begum, Khas-ul-khas, Sensation, Gulab-e-Khas, to name a few- mango is not just a fruit in Pakistan—it’s a national obsession.
Cities like Multan, Bahawalpur, Vehari, Rajanpur, Khanewal, Rahim Yar Khan, Mir Pur Khas, Dera Gazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Hyderabad are renowned for producing some of the world’s juiciest and most aromatic mangoes.
Climate challenges
While the future of mango exports looks promising, climate change poses a real threat. Rising temperatures, erratic rain, and fog threaten flowering and fruit size. However, timely heatwaves can also reduce pests, providing a paradoxical advantage.
Experts call for increased state support, farmer education, and investment in sustainable practices to shield this billion-dollar industry.
