Pakistan exported record mango of 91,700 metric tonnes during current fruit season 2014 as compared to 61,000 metric tonnes during 2013. Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) as well as private sector played a prominent role producing export quality mango.
Pakistan achieved success in mango export by giving attention on quality of international standard. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan federal Minister NFS&R on eve of Mango Star Award Festival 2014 at Department of Plant Protection (DPP) Malir Halt Karachi said Pakistan has achieved record success in mango export.
Indian mango was banned in the European Union due to quarantine pests and 382 interceptions. Although there are many deficiencies in our export system but by using available sources all stakeholders came forward and united to work out comprehensive action plan and resultantly 2 interceptions were occurred as compared to 236 last year.
In this regard all stakeholders have great contribution. Government research organisations also played important role to control attack of fruit fly and mango diseases. Bosan said first time private sector has appreciated the performance of Ministry, DPP, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and other government organisations. He urged the scientists and experts to give special attention to produce new mango varieties and pest management.
Seerat Asgahr federal Secretary of Ministry said it was honour for Ministry in very short time it achieved the target of mango export on international needs. Pakistan builds confidence of international market. Ministry and exporters jointly work to improve quality and maintain the international standard of various commodities for export.
Every agriculture region may become an export zone in the country and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should facilitate exporters so as they easily access the international markets, particularly for the export of cotton, rice, citrus and mango. He urged PPD to work on protocols for vegetable exports of international standards in order to catch European Union markets.
Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Chairman PARC said Body would extend all type of technical and scientific cooperation to improve export quality of mango, vegetables, fruits and other crops. PARC already associated 72 scientists with PPD to work on important nature assignments. PARC is fully committed for development of agriculture and prosperity of farmers in the country. Dr Mubarik Ahmad Director General (DG) Sindh Agriculture Research Council and adviser and DG DPP and other speakers also addressed the participants.
Source: Daily Times