Three Day National Mango Festival concluded at MNSUA

MULTAN, July 10th: Three day Mango festival concluded here on Monday.A large number of people including Nepalese Ambassador in Pakistan Sewa Lamsal Adhikari and Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Suyudie Amri , High ranking civil and military took part in the event organised by Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA).Last year, Mango festival was attended by Australian Ambassador. Vice Chancellor of Agricultural University Multan Pro Dr.Rao Asif Ali said that Mangoes grown in Multan are rich in fibre, low in calories and contain a small amount of carbohydrates, calcium, iron, potassium and a little protein, which are highly demanded in the European Union and other advanced nations.“Pakistan is expected to fetch $68 million if it achieves the annual export target,” said the host. Last year, Pakistan exported 128,000 tons of mangoes, up 28% from the annual target of 100,000 tons.Pakistan exports mangoes to over 50 countries. It has been exporting the fruit to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada and European countries for many years, but has recently entered markets of South Korea, Japan, China, the US and Australia.With increasing focus on high-value markets of the US, Canada and Dubai, the exporters of mango in Pakistan have started embracing e-commerce in a bid to swiftly and easily reach out to overseas retail customers. Nepalese Ambassador Sewa Lamsal Adhikari said that People of Multan are so sweet like their mangoes and said "I am highly impressed with their cultural heritage, hospitality, innocence,and love to guests. “Mangoes grown in Multan are of top quality in their taste and colour"She added.She saw more than 100 varieties of mangoes  which are available in Pakistan and said that Pakistani mangoes are grown with 100% natural methods and no chemical is used during processing. Mango is ripened with the help of ethane – an environment-friendly gas – and its shelf life, natural sweetness and taste are maintained.Ambassador of Indonesia  Iwan Suyudie Amri said that Indonesia was the first country which established its diplomatic office in Karachi, soon after the creation of Pakistan.He said that Pakistani mangoes were best in the world with regard to its taste and flavor which had great potential to penetrate in all international markets.Iwan Suyudie Amri said that Indonesia and Pakistan were enjoying deep rooted economic, social and diplomatic relations which would be strengthened further in days to come on Sunday.Addressing a ceremony here at the Mango Festival, he said that “We have Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Pakistan, and hoped that mango will be included in PTA in the next meeting to be held in August next”.He said that Pakistani mangoes were best in the world with regard to its taste and flavor which had great potential to penetrate in all international markets.Ambassador Iwan Suyudie Amri said that Indonesia was the first country which established its diplomatic office in Karachi, soon after the creation of Pakistan.Deputy Commissioner Multan Nadir Chattha said the purpose of organising mango festival is to maximise the benefit of mango crop.“Mangoes grown in Multan are of top quality in their taste and colour. There is a dire need to showcase this special fruit to increase its sale,” the DC said. He added that arrangements were being made for safe exports of mangoes from the fields to markets so farmers could get maximum earning.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture Spokesperson Muhammad Ali Raza said various companies would display their stalls regarding packaging material for the safe export of mangoes during the event. With increasing focus on high-value markets of the US, Canada and Dubai, the exporters of mango in Pakistan have started embracing e-commerce in a bid to swiftly and easily reach out to overseas retail customers.Though these mangoes are recognised as one of the best in the world, Multan has been unable to take the lead from other districts of South Punjab in producing high quality mangoes for export. Therefore, in a bid to attract international buyers to import mangoes from Multan, the city district administration and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture (MNSUA) had planned to hold a three-day mango festival on July 8 (today). On the occasion, a mango eating competition among kids was arranged in addition to skits and other activities. Besides, Mango Food Street concept was also introduced in the festival, while a seminar on easy recognition of different varieties of mangoes and dealing with different diseases of the fruit was  arranged. Various pesticide companies and agricultural tools manufacturers will also set up stalls at the festival.
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