Climate shocks dent mango crops

KHANEWAL: Punjab’s mango sector is facing a difficult season as erratic weather and limited support measures weigh on production in South Punjab, with growers in Khanewal reporting a marked fall in fruit-setting during the 2026 crop cycle.

Khanewal, described as one of the biggest mango-producing districts in South Punjab, has seen the flowering phase conclude with fewer flowers turning into fruit than is normally expected. Growers say the weak fruit-setting has heightened worries about total output, while many orchard owners are also confronting financial uncertainty because contractors have shown less willingness to lease orchards amid expectations of lower yields.

Farmers and agricultural experts have linked the decline to a series of climate-related disruptions during the season. These include unseasonal heatwaves, abrupt temperature swings during flowering, strong winds, heavy rainfall and hailstorms that harmed developing fruit. Growers say the damage has not been limited to weather exposure alone, with disease and pest pressure also intensifying.

Mango grower Ahmed Ali Sargana said unusually high temperatures in March kept flowers from developing into healthy fruit. He also said the incidence of Bator disease and pest attacks rose sharply during the season, while extended heatwaves led to a large number of immature mangoes dropping from trees before time.

Experts estimate that mango production in some locations may fall by 20pc or more compared to normal years. The expected shortfall is likely to affect not only farmers but also export volumes and prices in the local market, according to industry stakeholders.

Leasing and market concerns

Stakeholders say the crop reached markets later than usual this year, and exporters have already expressed concern over tighter supplies. The uncertainty has also affected orchard contracting activity in the area.

Landowner Akbar Shah said climatic instability had unsettled the sector and reduced momentum in leasing. He said the weaker production outlook had affected both growers and contractors. Water shortages have emerged as another concern for orchard owners, who fear that inadequate irrigation could further hurt both fruit quality and overall yield.

Export crop under pressure

South Punjab’s mangoes are widely known for their sweetness, aroma and flavour, and the fruit remains one of Pakistan’s most valued agricultural exports. With production under pressure this season, growers and exporters are watching closely for the wider impact on supplies from one of the country’s signature crops.