Multan’s Vanishing Mango Belt
M Atif Ismail
Multan: For generations, sprawling mango orchards have been an integral part of Multan’s identity, earning the city its reputation as Pakistan’s mango capital.
Beyond producing the country’s prized fruit, these orchards have served as natural carbon sinks, moderated local temperatures, supported biodiversity, and provided livelihoods to thousands of skilled workers.
Today, however, the rapid conversion of orchards into housing schemes and commercial developments is creating a dual crisis, one that threatens both the environment and the people who depend on these green landscapes for survival.
As urban expansion continues to spread across Multan and its surrounding areas, vast stretches of mango orchards are disappearing.
The loss is being felt not only in agricultural production but also in the lives of experienced gardeners whose skills have been passed down through generations.
Sajid, a gardener from Nawabpur Road, has spent most of his life caring for mango trees. From pruning and irrigation to disease management and harvesting, he mastered every aspect of orchard maintenance. Yet today, he finds himself working as a school peon after many orchards in his area were cut down and sold for residential projects.
“Earlier, there was work throughout the year,” he said. “Now, trees are being removed and land is being converted into housing colonies. I had no choice but to look for another job to support my family.”
His story reflects the struggles of many workers whose livelihoods are closely linked to the mango industry. Unlike other laborers, orchard gardeners possess specialized knowledge that is not easily transferable to different occupations.
Danish, another gardener, said he learned nursery plantation and budding techniques from an early age. The income he earned from orchard work helped him continue his education and support his household. Today, however, he fears that the profession may disappear altogether.
“Most gardeners know only this work,” he explained. “When orchards disappear, so do our jobs. Many workers are already unemployed or struggling to find regular employment.”
Environmental experts warn that the loss of mango orchards carries consequences far beyond employment. Trees play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing air pollution, and regulating temperatures.
In a region already experiencing increasingly severe heatwaves, declining rainfall reliability, and prolonged dry spells, the removal of green cover can accelerate the impacts of climate change.
According to environmentalists, mango orchards act as natural cooling systems. Their dense canopy reduces surface temperatures and helps retain soil moisture. As these orchards are replaced by concrete structures and paved roads, the urban heat island effect intensifies, causing temperatures in cities to rise further.
The issue is particularly concerning for southern Punjab, where climate experts have repeatedly warned about rising temperatures and growing water stress. Recent years have witnessed record-breaking heatwaves across the region, affecting human health, agricultural productivity, and water resources.
Biodiversity is another casualty of orchard destruction. Mango orchards provide habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife that contribute to ecological balance. Their removal disrupts these ecosystems and reduces the natural resilience of the environment.
Agricultural economists also caution that the continued reduction of orchard land could undermine Pakistan’s mango industry, which contributes significantly to export earnings and rural employment. Multan’s mangoes are internationally recognized, and the shrinking cultivation area may affect future production and export potential.
Experts argue that sustainable urban planning is essential to balance development needs with environmental protection. They recommend stricter regulations on the conversion of productive agricultural land, incentives for orchard preservation, and the promotion of green spaces within expanding urban areas.
Affected gardeners are urging authorities to intervene before more orchards vanish. They believe that preserving mango farms is not merely an agricultural issue but a climate adaptation strategy that can help reduce environmental degradation while protecting thousands of jobs.
For workers like Sajid and Danish, the disappearance of orchards represents more than the loss of trees. It is the erosion of a way of life, a source of identity, and a profession deeply rooted in Multan’s cultural and economic heritage.
As climate challenges intensify and cities continue to expand, the fate of Multan’s mango orchards may serve as a crucial test of whether development can coexist with environmental sustainability and livelihood protection.
