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Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Pakistani mango expo draws over 50,000 visitors in first five days
Tribune News Network Doha The second edition of the Hamba Exhibition of Pakistani Mangoes and Products at Souq Waqif continues to draw large crowds, with its lively atmosphere and rich array of offerings. Over the first five days alone, the exhibition welcomed more than 50,000 visitors, reflecting the strong public interest in this vibrant celebration of Pakistani produce. More than 104 tonnes of fresh Pakistani mangoes were sold during the same period, flown in daily to ensure the highest quality for exhibition-goers. Among the many varieties on offer, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol have emerged as clear favourites, renowned for their rich, sweet flavour and premium quality — a reflection of visitors' discerning taste and appreciation for fresh, flavourful fruit. The event has also seen notable interest in the culinary offerings, with over 25 participating restaurants and shops serving a variety of mango-based desserts and dishes, offering visitors a distinctive and immersive gastronomic experience. In a statement, Khalid Saif Al-Suwaidi, General Supervisor of the Exhibition, said: 'The turnout has exceeded our expectations from day one. Visitors are eager to sample the premium varieties flown in daily, alongside the strong interest in the restaurants and shops offering innovative mango-based desserts and dishes. We are committed to delivering a comprehensive and exceptional experience to all Souq Waqif visitors.' It is worth noting that the exhibition will conclude on July 19. Visiting hours are daily from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with extended hours on official holidays until 10:00 pm, allowing as many visitors as possible to enjoy this special experience in the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Waqif.
Business Recorder
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Farmers push for govt support as climate change, water shortage threaten Pakistan's mango industry
KARACHI: The government needs to adopt modern techniques and technologies to protect mangoes, said progressive farmers and food technologists while talking to Business Recorder. Nabi Bux Sathio, Senior Vice President at the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA), said fewer mangoes grew this year, compared to last year, due to several factors. 'Firstly, nearly 15-20% of the fruit fell from trees prematurely due to dust and thunderstorms. Secondly, there was an acute water shortage at the time of fruiting. 'Both climate change and water scarcity took a heavy toll on the fruit yield and size,' said Sathio. He said that the government has set no target for mangoes as it is categorized neither as a major nor a minor crop, but as a fruit. In Sindh, mango orchards cover nearly 100,000 acres. Traditionally, the top five mango-producing districts in the province are Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Khairpur and Tando Jam of Hyderabad district, where 90% of Sindh's mangoes are cultivated. Meanwhile, 70% of mangoes in Punjab are grown in Multan, with the remaining 30% produced in Bahawalpur and other areas. In terms of overall production, Sindh accounts for over 60% of the country's output. The rest, especially Chaunsa, are grown in Punjab. Sindh is known for varieties such as Sindhri, Chaunsa, Anwar Ratol, Langra, Daseri, Baingan Phalli, Gulab Khas and others. Mango began to reach markets from May 1 to July 31. After July, cold storage mangoes or varieties from Multan become available. Speaking to Business Recorder, Sathio urged authorities, including the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), Sindh Irrigation Department and others, to ensure 100% water supply to orchards during the season. 'There is a one-and-half-month harvest window, and farmers wait nearly 10 months to earn a decent living. The fruit takes 90 to 100 days to mature, during which four water cycles are required to ensure proper fruiting, sweetness, weight and size,' Sathio said. Local mangoes are high in demand internationally. Mangoes from Sindh are mostly exported, while mangoes from Punjab are utilized in juices, with only 2-3% being exported. However, when it comes to mango export, it is not just about picking ripe fruit, ''it's a science', said Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Institute of Sciences and Technology Associate Professor Dr Aasia Akbar Panhwar. 'In Pakistan, we have seen how simple post-harvest mistakes lead to high rejection rates at international ports,' she said. She informed that the institute has initiated training farmers on proper harvesting techniques. 'Hot water treatment (HWT) became essential. This step kills fruit fly larvae and meets the phytosanitary standards of countries like Japan and the USA. 'We also introduced mechanical brushing to remove field residues and controlled de-sapping to keep mangoes blemish-free,' she said. Equally important was quality packaging that maintains humidity, minimises damage, and promotes traceability. 'These interventions, though simple, made a profound difference. Exporters who adopted them saw fewer rejections and better prices,' she said. Moreover, the government should play a proactive role in establishing centralized mango processing and treatment facilities, particularly in major mango-producing regions such as Mirpurkhas, Tando Jam Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and DI Khan. However, any smallholder farmers in these areas lack access to essential post-harvest infrastructure, including HWT units, mechanized grading and sorting lines, and export-compliant packaging systems. Government-led investment in such facilities would ensure compliance with international phytosanitary standards, reduce post-harvest losses, and significantly improve the marketability of Pakistani mangoes abroad. This would not only enhance export volumes but also increase farmers' income and strengthen Pakistan's position in the global fruit market. Moreover, these plants can function as training and demonstration hubs, promoting awareness and adoption of good agricultural and post-harvest practices among growers, packers, and exporters, thereby building a more resilient and value-driven mango supply chain. Protection of mangoes: Mangoes can be protected through integrated pest management (IPM), timely harvesting, and post-harvest treatments. Pre-harvest protection includes bagging of fruits, the use of pheromone traps, and biological control to minimize insect damage. Meanwhile, post-harvest, fruits should be handled carefully to avoid bruising, and treated with hot water or fungicides to prevent decay. Cold chain management, hygienic packing, and transportation under controlled temperatures further protect quality. Awareness and training of growers on best practices and monitoring systems also play a vital role in reducing losses and improving fruit safety and export potential. What are Phytosanitary protocols? Phytosanitary protocols are scientific measures implemented to prevent the spread of pests and diseases essential to international trade. For mango exports, these protocols include HWT, vapour heat treatment, pest-free area certification, and proper documentation and traceability. They are enforced under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and vary by importing country. Compliance ensures that exported mangoes are free from quarantine pests like fruit flies and fungal pathogens. Adherence to these standards minimizes rejection risks, maintains the importing country's biosecurity, and safeguards the exporting country's market reputation and access.
Express Tribune
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mango madness grips twin cities
The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi revel in the sweet bliss of mangoes, aptly hailed as the "King of Fruits," as the juicy delight brings joy to people of all ages in the summer season. Vibrant displays of mangoes greet shoppers in local markets, with vendors showcasing every kind of mango from the renowned Chaunsa, Sindhri, and Anwar Ratol to the prized Langra, Fajli, and Dusehri. Every type of variety is readily available. Mango lovers can relish the sweetness of Chaunsa, the tanginess of Sindhri, or explore other unique flavors, making the twin cities a haven for mango connoisseurs. Sara Ali, a mango enthusiast from Islamabad said, "Mangoes are a summertime staple for us as there's nothing like biting into a ripe, juicy Chaunsa on a hot summer day." She commented that Mangoes are more than just a fruit and they are a part of Pakistan's culture, adding that everyone looks forward to the season all year round. For many, mangoes evoke memories of childhood summers spent savouring the fruit under the shade of trees. The variety of mangoes available has also sparked a sense of adventure among consumers. A resident of Rawalpindi said "I love trying different types of mangoes. Last week, I had Sindhri, and this week, I am trying Anwar Ratol. Each variety has its own unique taste". She said that mangoes are her favourite summer treat, and she loves trying different varieties. "I am stocking up on mangoes for the week. They're perfect for snacking, smoothies or desserts," she commented. As people enjoy the mango season, vendors are working hard to meet the demand. A fruit vendor in Islamabad's F-6 market, Muhammad Ali, shared that "We are importing mangoes from the best orchards in Sindh and Punjab to ensure top quality and flavour. He said that Mangoes are flying off the shelves and they are having a great season so far, with Chaunsa and Sindhri being the top sellers. He further said that he has been selling mangoes for years, and that this season's batch is one of the best. Vendors are seeing a lot of repeat customers.
Qatar Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Markets overflow with Pakistan's finest mangoes
If you love mangoes, there's fantastic news ahead! The Qatari market is currently brimming with Pakistan's premium mangoes, and this summer, you'll find your favorite varieties offered at irresistible prices—all thanks to the healthy competition among importers. Ahsan Manzoor, an importer of mangoes in Qatar, announced the arrival of fresh Sindhri and Anwar Ratol varieties in local markets. 'We have recently received shipments of these popular mangoes by air,' he stated. The highly sought-after Chaunsa mangoes, known for their rich flavor, will be available from July. In addition to mangoes, Ahsan also imports seasonal delights like apricots, peaches, plums and jamun, bringing a diverse selection of summer fruits to Qatari consumers. Other popular commercial varieties of mangoes from Pakistan are Dasehri and Langra, each cherished for its distinct flavor and aroma. The fruit is in such a big demand that no mango remains unsold on the second day of their arrival during the summer. Ahsan noted that Pakistani mangoes are appreciated owing to their attractive fragrance, savouring taste and nutritive value. He blamed exorbitant freight charges for the price hike of Pakistani mangoes in the local market. Due to high airfreight costs, he said, some importers opt for sea transport, which compromises quality due to the extended journey. 'On average, we receive air shipments two to three times a week and deliver high-quality mangoes straight to customers' doorsteps,' remarked Ahsan, who can be contacted at GSM: 30873754 for more details.
