Exclusive on Mangoes
Mango, the world's most popular fruit by Professor Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon, Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
Known as the king of fruits, mango is one of the most popular, nutritionally rich fruits with unique flavour, fragrance and taste, In addition to being sumptuous, pulpy and amazing, mangoes pack a host of health benefits too. They are rich in potassium and magnesium and are a great remedy for high blood pressure. Widely cultivated in Sindh and Punjab, the aromatic pulpy fruit is easily one of the most popular seasonal delicacies not just in Asia but also in the West. Mangoes are one of the major agricultural exports of Pakistan with high demand all across the world. Mango arrives in the market in early May and is generally available till the end of September. Although this rich and tropical fruit is grown in over 100 countries, Pakistan remains its fourth-largest producer in the world. As of right now, the country is producing about 1.8 million tons of mangoes, of which approximately 6% are exported. Mango is also the national fruit of Pakistan.
Good taste with extreme nutritious Eating mango is really beneficial for health as only one cup of the sliced fruit contains 1.4 grams of protein and 2.6 grams of dietary fibre. It also contains copper, folate, potassium, magnesium and manganese along with vitamins A,
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B5, B6, C, E and K. Mangoes are also high in antioxidants and packed with immunity-boosting nutrients. Further nutritional benefits of mangoes include protection against macular degeneration and respiratory diseases. It also lowers the risk of certain types of cancer and strengthens bone health, according to some research studies. Eating mangoes is also good for digestion, reduces the risk of hypertension and works wonders for skin and hair. So, even if you aren’t a huge fan of this delicious food, try to incorporate it in your diet in the form of smoothies or dessert at the very least.
Export statistics According to a report published in a local newspaper, the country exported about 66,000 tons of mangoes in 2017, earning about PKR 5.9 billion. In 2018, the figure rose slightly to 77,000 tons. It is important to mention the yearly mango export from Pakistan is just a fraction of the total yield. This year, the country is hoping to export around 100,000 tons of mangoes, which will contribute about USD 80 million to the economy. According to the table shown below, the export of mangoes throughout the world has increased by 26.5%. The export statistics of frozen mango and mango pulp are also shown in the table.
Country-wise Export of Mango Pulp (Major Countries) Quantity: Tonnes Value: Rs. Million 2020-21 Country Quantity Value Afghanistan
136
18
Australia
17
6
Belgium
17
2
Ireland
--
--
Kazakstan
200
29
Libya
2260
277
Netherlands
14
2
Turkey
604
76
Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
China-Pakistan cooperation in mango production Chinese and Pakistani experts are trying to find opportunities for cooperation to improve mango production in Pakistan by using advanced facilities and technology. “With our advanced facility agriculture, I believe that if there is an opportunity for cooperation, we will be able to systematically improve the reduction of mango production in Pakistan due to extreme weather,” said Wang Yan, General Manager of Yangling Qingpita Garden Dragon fruit Demonstration Base, in an interview with Chinese media. He said that once the water and fertilizer integrated greenhouse is built; the service life is generally more than 15 years, with high economic benefits.
