PAKISTAN’S mango exports to the European Union is under threat. Only one lapse could make them meet the fate India has met.
What is important is beating the ban and the EU has already shown the yellow card saying five mango consignments infested with fruit fly would mean an end to further exports. And it also applies to all agricultural produce. The EU has rejected some 200 shipments of mangoes from Pakistan over the last three years.
As a result, now the focus is on quality, not on quantity. And the hot water treatment of mangoes, which the Trade Development Authority has made mandatory, cannot be skipped. The treatment was made mandatory after two mango shipments to EU were found contaminated with fruit flies in June. Under the new process, mangoes go through a thorough cleaning system and treated in hot water at 48°C for about an hour. That process enhances the shelf life of the product by as much as 35 days.
At present however, there are only three approved plants and all are located in Karachi and some 12 hot water dip plants. However, the EU has approved only the hot water treatment plants.
That makes Punjab, the main producer of mango, feel deprived and the need for a big plant in Lahore should not be delayed. Till then, the exporters from this province will have to travel to Karachi along with their merchandise and after hot treatment do the wrapping, packaging and other formalities.
