Heatwaves Could Cut Pakistan’s Mango Production by 20%, Report Says

LAHORE, June 21: Pakistan’s mango production is projected to decline by around 20% this season due to prolonged heatwaves, erratic weather patterns, and water stress, according to Wealth Pakistan reporting and horticulture experts.

The report, citing agricultural and meteorological sources, says adverse climatic conditions have affected key mango-growing regions, particularly South Punjab, during critical flowering and fruit-setting stages. The expected decline comes against the country’s average annual mango production of around 1.9 million tons.

Weather Stress Impacts Orchards, Experts Say

Dr Hafiz Asif-ur-Rehman, Director of the Mango Research Institute (MRI) Multan, told Wealth Pakistan that high temperatures, windstorms, and fluctuating weather conditions have reduced fruit set and increased fruit drop in several orchards. He said the impact varies across regions and cultivars, with final production estimates expected after harvesting is completed.

According to Dr Rehman, preliminary assessments suggest national output will remain below normal levels due to ongoing weather-related stress, including water shortages and climatic instability.

El Niño Could Intensify Agricultural Pressure

Meteorological experts, as cited in the Wealth Pakistan report, warned that a potential El Niño event could further worsen conditions by increasing temperatures and reducing rainfall. Chief Meteorologist Dr Zaheer Babar said such patterns typically lead to prolonged hot spells and drought-like conditions affecting agriculture in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

Exporters Warn of Lower Output and Earnings

The Pakistan Fruit and Vegetables Exporters Association also expressed concern over declining mango production and exportable surplus. Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmad told Wealth Pakistan that climate change, weak orchard disease resistance, and irregular weather patterns have steadily reduced output over the past five years.

He added that export targets have been revised downward to 80,000 tons, compared to 110,000 tons last year, due to expected production shortfalls and logistical constraints. Export earnings are projected to fall to $75–80 million, down from around $110 million in the previous season.

Experts further stressed the need for improved orchard management, investment in research, and development of climate-resilient mango varieties to stabilize future production.

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