Pakistan’s most valuable export is in danger

Mango is called the king of all fruits which is enough to do justice to its deliciousness. As the sun is shining bright here is Pakistan, mass production of mangoes is expected to be yielded. Perfect to make summers joyful. This fruit, not only fulfills our domestic requirements but is also exported to different countries around the world via Air cargo and sea cargo.

Mangoes are undoubtedly voted as far superior is taste and quality than any other country. By exporting mangoes, Pakistan earns fame and a huge return for the local merchants. It is a profitable industry but is going through a rough phase.

Low production of mangoes

Climate changes are the huge debate around the globe. It is causing harm to all forms of life. Its adverse effects on the agriculture sector are causing decrease in production and failure to meet the targets. This year due to intense hailstorms in South Punjab and other unexpected weather changes in other parts of the country, the production of mangoes has suffered a lot.

Officials report that the yield of mangoes this year is less when compared to last year. This is certainly a bad news as it will make Pakistan fall short in exports for international markets. Cargo companies like Cargo to Pakistan are offering cheap rates of goods transferred from UK to Pakistan. Last year the export value of mangoes was between $680 to $700 per metric ton. But this season this value would be $650 and the exporters are likely to close at 80,000-ton worth of exports by the end of this summer.

Comparison of air cargo rates

Airlines charge $1.72 per kg on a flight from Karachi to London whereas a rate of $1.26 is set per kg for cargo travelling from Bombay to London. It is evident that the rates are comparatively less on flights from Bombay to London. Because of this difference, our exported mangoes are sold on higher rates. That is the reason our mangoes cannot compete with Indian mangoes which is totally unfair.

Ever increasing rates of air cargo damaging exports

Quite recently, the airlines have announced increase in air cargo rates. The exporters are very dejected by this situation. Ahmad Jawad, Regional Chairman of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce (FPCCI), Standing Committee on Horticulture Exports talked on behalf of those concerned. He told that almost 50% of the mangoes are sent to different destinations through air cargo.

These mangoes have a short shelf life after which they start to rot. He also expressed his concerns regarding the elevated air cargo rates saying that if the situation continued in the same fashion then, it will be impossible to export mangoes.

What is the way forward?

The need of the hour is that aviation and commerce industry come forward and play their part in negotiating with the airlines and convince them to lower their rates. Moreover, the government should encourage exports who make it to the international market. The government can take initiative like 15pc reimbursement will be made on the invoice value for encouraging new exporters.