Pakistan’s mango industry, one of the country’s most significant horticultural sectors, is facing another difficult season as climate irregularities, pest outbreaks, and disease pressure continue to threaten orchards across Punjab’s mango belt. The 2026 mango season, particularly in Shujabad and Multan, regions globally recognized for producing premium mango varieties reflects the increasing vulnerability of agriculture to climate change.
Mango is cultivated in Pakistan on approximately 153,000 hectares, with Punjab contributing the largest share of national production. The province annually produces more than 2.2 million tonnes of mangoes, making it the backbone of Pakistan’s mango economy. Among the major cultivars grown in Punjab, SB Chaunsa dominates with nearly 34 per cent share of the cultivated area, followed by Sindhri with approximately 19 per cent and Sufaid Chaunsa with around 18 per cent. The remaining area comprises several commercially important varieties including Langra, Dusehri, Anwar Retaul, Kala Chaunsa, Late Retaul, Chanab Gold, and Azeem Chaunsa. Besides strengthening rural livelihoods, the mango sector also contributes substantially to Pakistan’s fruit exports and agricultural economy.
However, the current season has witnessed a series of climatic shocks from flowering to early fruit development stages, raising serious concerns regarding productivity, fruit quality, and export potential.
At present, the overall mango crop position in several parts of Punjab is being estimated at nearly 55-60 per cent compared to a normal production year.
The season commenced with unusually high temperatures during November and December 2025, which triggered premature flowering in several mango varieties. Although early flowering initially appeared promising, the situation changed abruptly when temperatures sharply declined during late January. In several mango-growing areas, mercury dropped to as low as 3-5°C, severely damaging tender floral tissues. Widespread flower blackening, drying of panicles, and loss of fertility were observed in orchards. A second flowering flush during February provided partial recovery and renewed optimism among growers. Several varieties, including SB Chaunsa, Sufaid Chaunsa, Langra, and Azeem Chaunsa, showed comparatively improved flowering and fruit-setting potential. However, the recovery remained short-lived as repeated climatic disturbances continued to affect orchards.
During March, severe heatwave struck Punjab at the critical stage of pollination and fruit setting. Temperatures reaching nearly 39°C caused drying of floral panicles and reduced fertilization efficiency. Simultaneously, occurrence of heavy mango malformation and infestations of mango hopper disrupted pollination activities and weakened fruit retention. Diseases such as blossom blight and powdery mildew further intensified crop stress, particularly in export-oriented mango varieties.
The situation deteriorated further during April when prolonged rainfall, high humidity, and severe hailstorms caused extensive fruitlet drop and physical damage to mango trees. Excessive moisture created highly favorable conditions for mango malformation, one of the most destructive disorders affecting mango production. Elite varieties, particularly Sindhri and SB Chaunsa, experienced considerable losses due to malformed panicles and poor fruit development.
Moreover, humid weather accelerated fungal diseases such as anthracnose, while insect pests including thrips and mango hopper resurged aggressively. The combined effect of climatic instability and biological stress has significantly reduced crop expectations in many orchards across southern Punjab. Despite these challenges, an important lesson has emerged from the current season. Farmers who remained consistently active in orchard management and adopted modern practices are comparatively in a much better position. Orchards with proper canopy management, balanced pruning, improved aeration, and healthier root growth systems have demonstrated greater resilience against climatic stress, disease incidence, and fruit drop. Such orchards maintained comparatively better fruit retention and overall plant vigor despite difficult environmental conditions.
This situation reinforces the importance of climate smart agriculture in Pakistan’s horticultural sector. Scientific canopy management, improved soil health, balanced nutrition, irrigation scheduling, and integrated pest management are becoming increasingly essential for sustainable mango production under changing climatic conditions. The Government of Punjab is actively supporting the agricultural sector through targeted subsidies, modern farm mechanization, and crop-focused ADP initiatives to enhance productivity and climate resilience. Such policy interventions can play a vital role in strengthening growers’ adaptive capacity and promoting sustainable orchard management practices across the province. At present, the overall mango crop position in several parts of Punjab is being estimated at nearly 55-60 per cent compared to a normal production year. Nevertheless, the final yield outcome will largely depend upon the survival of remaining fruitlets during the coming weeks.
If weather conditions remain favorable ahead particularly in the absence of repeated heatwaves and prolonged rainy spells, and if a conducive situation persists at the borders for smooth trade movement, Pakistan’s mango export target may still remain achievable. However, the government must continue to support the supply chain and facilitate stakeholders at every stage, from orchards to export terminals and border points.
Simultaneously, mango growers should seek regular guidance from mango experts, researchers, and extension staff to effectively manage orchards under the emerging realities of climate change. Scientific decision-making, timely pest and disease management, and adoption of modern production techniques will remain critical for ensuring better yield, improved fruit quality, and sustainable competitiveness of Pakistan’s mango industry in international markets.
The writer is Senior Scientist-Horticulture at Mango Research Station, Shujabad.