ISLAMABAD, Feb 22 (ABC): The use of mango bags is likely to reach nearly 10 million in 2026 as export prices for protected fruit have jumped around 70%, reflecting strong industry confidence in the quality-enhancement technique.
The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) introduced mango bags to cut post-harvest losses, improve fruit quality, and expand access to premium export markets.
Technique strengthens export potential
“This mango protection method has proved a breakthrough for growers and exporters alike,” Khawar Nadeem, Manager Agri Products PHDEC, told Wealth Pakistan.
Pakistan produces around 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes annually. However, the country exports only about 150,000 tonnes, or 8.3% of total output. Growers lose a significant portion of exportable fruit due to pests, blemishes, and poor handling. As a result, Pakistan struggles to penetrate high-end international markets.
To tackle these challenges, PHDEC introduced fruit-protection bags that cover hanging mangoes for 30 to 45 days. The bags protect the fruit from fruit flies, dust, and sunburn. Moreover, growers now rely less on pesticide sprays. Consequently, exporters receive fruit with better colour, improved cleanliness, and stronger market acceptance in Europe, America, and Japan.
Export prices surge by 70%
The price difference clearly shows the impact of mango bags. A 5kg pack of non-bagged mangoes usually sells for $17 to $18 in international markets. In contrast, the same quantity of bagged mangoes can fetch up to $30. Therefore, growers can earn nearly 70% more for protected fruit.
Initially, farmers hesitated to adopt the new method. Nevertheless, PHDEC launched a pilot phase to build confidence.
“We started by distributing 150,000 bags among 25 to 30 growers in Sindh and Punjab. Gradually, as farmers saw the difference in quality and prices, their response changed,” Khawar said.
In 2022, PHDEC distributed 200,000 mango bags free of cost in Punjab and Sindh. Similarly, it supplied the same number in 2023 and 2024. By 2025, growers and exporters purchased one million bags on their own. This shift clearly indicates commercial acceptance of the technique.
Looking ahead, industry stakeholders expect usage to surge further. “We project the use of mango bags to reach nearly 10 million in the coming season,” Khawar added.
Local production can reduce costs
Currently, importers source mango bags from China at around Rs6 per bag. However, growers want local manufacturers to start producing the bags. Local production can reduce costs and improve access, especially for small farmers. In addition, domestic manufacturing can create new business opportunities within the horticulture value chain.
Pakistan ranks as the fifth-largest mango producer in the world. Mango remains the country’s second-largest fruit crop and plays a vital role in horticulture exports.