Climate change and ongoing water shortages may reduce mango production in Sindh by up to fifty per cent this year. Farmers, contractors, and traders expect major financial losses due to delays in mango ripening and severe damage to orchards across the province.
Unpredictable and extreme weather has caused most of the damage. Storms and sudden temperature changes have hit mango orchards hard in Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Shahdadpur, Tando Adam, Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Jamshoro.
March began with mild weather, but nighttime temperatures suddenly dropped. This early cold caused mango blossoms to dry up. Then came heatwaves and long dry spells. These conditions stunted the fruit’s growth, leading to smaller mangoes. Recent storms and strong winds have made things worse. Many orchards now lie in near-ruin.
Read more: 5 Sweet, Savoury and Refreshing Mango Recipes to Try this Summer
Agriculture experts say unpredictable weather and a lack of water will likely cut mango production in Sindh by half. They also warn that ripening could be delayed by 20 to 25 days. This delay may affect the supply chain and disrupt export plans.
Contractors are among the hardest hit. Many leased orchards are expecting a profitable season. Now, they’re backing out of agreements, losing both money and advance payments. This trend could impact the local economy. As the mango supply falls, local market prices are expected to rise.
Experts also believe mango exports will drop. If exports fall, Pakistan’s position in the global mango trade may suffer.
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