Pakistan’s mango output falls 20% this year compared to last season. The country’s famous mango harvest has entered markets much later than usual.

Industry estimates show production dropping to nearly 1.5 million tonnes. Last year, growers produced around 1.8 million tonnes.

What caused this sharp decline? Unusual weather conditions during the flowering stage severely affected crop development.

The total cultivation area remained unchanged at roughly 160,000 hectares. Therefore, weather alone drove the reduction.

The season also faced significant delays because of cooler and wetter weather during March and April. Typically, harvesting for local markets begins in late April. This year, however, it only started during the first week of May.

Export shipments will begin from June 1 instead of around May 20. Consequently, exporters face a compressed timeline.

Early producing districts in Sindh reported average yields. These districts include Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, and Hyderabad. In contrast, major mango-producing regions in Punjab are witnessing much lower output. Those regions include Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Shujaabad.

Exporters warn that several other challenges could further hurt overseas shipments. For instance, regional tensions and border disruptions continue to cause trouble. Additionally, rising freight charges add more pressure.

Trade routes to Afghanistan remain disrupted due to prolonged border closures. Moreover, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have increased shipping costs. These factors have also reduced vessel availability.

Shoaib Ahmad Basra, Managing Director of National Fruit Pakistan, highlighted another concern. Exporters face serious uncertainty in air cargo operations. Pakistan largely relies on Middle Eastern airlines for mango exports to Europe and the United Kingdom.

Reduced flight frequency and limited cargo space make export planning increasingly difficult. Therefore, many exporters are struggling to secure reliable shipping options.

Interestingly, exporters do not expect a major increase in international prices. Why? Demand in Pakistan’s traditional regional markets has weakened significantly. As a result, the fact that Pakistan’s mango output falls 20% may not trigger the usual price spikes.

This year’s 20 percent drop in Pakistan mango output shows how vulnerable fruit farming is to weather patterns. Nevertheless, growers and exporters are adapting their strategies to navigate these difficult conditions.