The programme is meant for growers and exporters of Sindh and southern Punjab which are well known to produce the world’s best quality mango.It is estimated that about 35% of mango is wasted through improper harvesting and post-harvest practices, which can easily be avoided.

The value of mango in local as well as domestic market can be added through simple techniques of picking, desapping, lime wash, packing, transportation and grading for which the capacity of the labor force engaged in the activity needs to be upgraded through similar training programs.

The team of experts shall conduct training sessions at various places in Sindh till June 29. A similar training programme of even larger magnitude has been developed for mango growing areas of Multan , Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan.

The programme kick started in Sindh with a training programme designed for exporters and managers for improving the quality of mangoes through better handling techniques at harvest, transportation and pack house level.

Experts from PHDEC head office, Lahore and Karachi led various sessions on handling of mango for export markets. The team of training experts will conduct training sessions at various places in mango growing districts of Sind on Supply Chain Improvement Practices.

Similar training shall be conducted for the staff of Agriculture Extension Department of Sind for developing their capacity to carry forward the activity on a larger scale.

CEO of PHDEC Bashir Hussain said that Pakistani mangos have a great potential of becoming an important exotic fruit sold in the international market ultimately helping to boost the horticultural exports of the country, given that the production and post harvest practices are aligned according to international requirements and standards.

Under the guidance of Ministry of Commerce, PHDEC is working on improving supply chain management of all the major exportable products through its various programs. He said that north south location of Pakistan on the globe affords Pakistan with greater opportunities for diversifying its products and exports.

Pakistan’s fresh vegetables have a potential of adding sizably to the export earnings. Previously, more emphasis was given to promotional activities related to export of fruits only. PHDEC has adopted the policy of diversification of products through which equal importance is being given to activities related to export of fresh vegetables and value added products, he added.

Source: pakistantimes.net

Publication date: 6/2/2010