KP’s Mango Farmers Grapple with Global Warming

Fakhar-e-Alam

Mardan: Ali Hazrat, a 45-year-old mango grower, was extremely worried after a drop in production of the most nutritious fruit, which is useful in the fight against heatstroke as health experts have declared him highly vulnerable to climate change.

Plucking mangoes from his 10-acre orchard in Lund Khwar, Ali repeatedly urged his co-laborers and sons to hurry up and complete the placed orders before sunset.

The demand for mangoes soared in local markets of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa due to their numerous qualities and usefulness in combating heatstroke during hot weather.

Ali, a graduate of Agriculture University Peshawar, noted that mango flowering is very sensitive to high temperatures, mostly caused by climate change and global warming, which adversely affect production in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

“If mango flowering is prevented by temperature stress, mango trees cannot produce fruits, resulting in substantial economic loss to farmers,” Ali said.He said that reduction in mango production had been witnessed for a third consecutive year due to flooding, torrential rains and rise of mercury in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 

Demand for Interest-Free Loans

As a result, the prices of the “King of Fruits” have increased this year compared to 2023. This has led to calls for interest-free loans for mango growers and the introduction of climate-change-adaptable varieties to bolster mango exports.

Dr Zilakat Malik, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, noted that climate change has adversely affected mango production in Pakistan in recent years.

He emphasized the need for pro-mango policies and the development of climate-change-adaptable varieties, for which agricultural research institutions should take a leading role.

He mentioned that the All Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Association  (APFVA) has set a target of 100,000 metric tons of mango exports for this year, down from 125,000 metric tons last year.

Exports are expected to start next month, focusing on markets in the Gulf, China, America, Turkiye, Japan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia.

Provincial Peaks

Pakistan produces around 1.8 million metric tons of mangoes per year, with 70 percent harvested in Punjab, 29 percent in Sindh, and about one percent in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Dr Malik stated that mango production in Punjab is about 35-40 percent, while in Sindh, it is about 20 percent. He warned that total production is likely to decrease by 0.6 million metric tons this year due to climate change.The varieties Chaunsa, Sindhri, Langra, Dasehri, Anwar Ratool, Saroli, Samar Bahisht, Tota Pari, Fajri, Neelum, Alphonso, Almas, Sanwal, Surkha, and Sunera, produced in Sindh and Punjab, are always preferred by buyers due to their excellent nutritional value, minerals, vitamins, and sweetness.

Chaunsa is one of the world’s top mango varieties because it is low in calories and high in fiber, with a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, and proteins, which are imperative for the physical and mental growth of a person.

Support Mango Growers

As the second-largest fruit crop in Pakistan, mangos are abundantly produced in regions such as Mirpur Khas, Thatta, Hyderabad, Bahawalpur, Multan, Muzafarghar, Rahimyar Khan, Peshawar, Mardan, and DI Khan. These mangos are exported both locally and internationally.

Pakistan has the potential to earn over $90 million in foreign exchange from this sector. The mango industry, including processing, packaging, and warehousing, is valued at over Rs100 billion and employs millions of people.

Nature’s Shield Against Heatstroke

Mangos are recommended by doctors to boost the immune and digestive systems, especially for senior citizens and children during summer.  They also help in preventing heatstroke. 

Dr Riaz Khan, a senior medical and children’s specialist at the Govt Hospital Pabbi Nowshera, emphasized the benefits of mangos in protecting against severe heatstroke and improving immune and digestion systems. 

He noted that mango juice mixed with water and sugar is particularly effective in cooling the body and preventing digestive issues caused by overheating.Mangos are especially beneficial for those working in hot weather, such as policemen and laborers, due to their cooling properties and ability to keep kidneys healthy. Rich in vitamins C and A, mangos strengthen the immune system and help prevent breast, leukemia, and prostate cancers.

Dr Riaz also highlighted that mangos lower cholesterol levels due to their high fiber, minerals, and vitamin content, which is crucial for senior citizens and children.

To maintain heart and kidney health, Dr Riaz recommended consuming mango juice during summer and avoiding beverages and unnecessary exposure to heat. 

Mangoes: Pakistan’s Pride

Pakistani mangos are known for their superior quality, sweetness, aroma, yellow skin, and softness, making them popular worldwide, including in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.

Experts stressed the need for serious efforts at both federal and provincial levels to protect the mango sector from the adverse effects of climate change.

This includes conducting research to help mango orchards develop resilience to harsh weather conditions. The Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) in Islamabad is called upon to lead research efforts on mangos, focusing on developing new varieties compatible with climatic changes.

Additionally, disease prevention and the supply of suitable agricultural pesticides are necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change on mango production in Pakistan.

The feature report was released by APP and it is reproduced by the PenPK.com. 

All information and facts provided are the sole responsibility of the writer.

Photo Credit: Agencies/social media. 

Edited: Shazia Mehboob