MULTAN: Urbanisation, prolonged winter, fog, intense dust-storms and rains are the main causes of the low yield of mangoes this year, says former president of Mangoes Growers Association Muzaffar Khakwani.

Mr Khakwani told APP on Monday mango production had been reduced to half as compared to last year, that is why the fruit was available in domestic markets at higher rates these days.

He added that for the last four to five years, the export had also been slashed to 5 per cent, which used to be up to 8 per cent in the past.

Commencement of flights by Emirates and Qatar airlines from Multan International Airport from next month will definitely boost the export from south Punjab in the future, which is known for the best quality mangoes across the globe, he added.

Mr Khakwani, who has been associated with mango farming for the last 23 years, said Federal Minister for National FoodSecurity and Research Sikandar Hayat Bosan last year engaged the Federal Department for Plant Protection to make standard protocol for exporting the best quality mangoes.

Pre-shipment inspectors also ensured grading and packing process before the export of consignments, he said, and added that Emirates International Airline had assured to carry 100 tonnes cargo weekly from the Multan airport which would include mangoes too.

Regarding other reasons of lesser production of mangoes this time, he said that inflorescence and fruit setting both were comparatively fewer and added that that is why pollination could not take place.

Mango Research Institute Director Dr Hameedullah said that it was a fact long winter, fog and strong dust-storms had reduced mango crop, especially in Multan division.

He said the crop had yielded good results at Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan in this season. APP