Ahmed Khan Malik

Sindh’s mango crop is expected to decline sharply this season due to unseasonal weather, water shortages, and the growing impact of climate change.

“Severe climate change and water scarcity are threatening to slash the mango yield by 50% this year, said farmers and traders, who are bracing for financial losses as extreme weather, including storms, heatwaves, and temperature fluctuations, has already damaged orchards in multiple districts, including Hyderabad and Sukkur.

Talking to WealthPK, they pointed out that mango blossoms had withered prematurely due to the unexpected temperature drop, followed by drought and intense heat. This has severely impacted the contractors, many of whom have abandoned their leases, adding to the financial strain.

Mustafa Soomro, a leading mango grower in Hyderabad, said the yield could drop by as much as 50 percent. He said strong winds, unexpected rainfall, and temperature fluctuations have damaged mango orchards, especially in lower Sindh. Many farmers have reported early fruit drops and delayed ripening, threatening harvest quality and quantity. These sudden weather events are becoming more frequent, putting the traditional farming cycles at risk, he said.

Adding to the crisis is the ongoing water scarcity. Mango orchards require consistent irrigation, and reduced water flow from the Indus is putting extra pressure on the growers. Disputes over water distribution have further deepened fears among the farmers that Sindh is being deprived of its fair share of water resources, he said.  Latif Nizamani, a Karachi-based mango trader, said the expected fall in mango production could deal a blow to Pakistan’s mango exports.

Sindh is one of the main contributors to the country’s mango output, and any decline in its yield could impact the export volumes and foreign earnings. In recent years, mango exports have brought in significant revenue, but this season’s shortage may challenge trade commitments and reduce income for thousands of growers, contractors, and traders, he said. He noted that the industry experts are calling for immediate research and support from agricultural institutions to help growers adapt to the changing climate.

“There is a growing demand for climate-resilient mango varieties and improved irrigation techniques to protect the future of mango farming in the province,” he said. “If urgent steps are not taken, the decline in Sindh’s mango crop could become a recurring issue, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and Pakistan’s position as a leading mango-producing country.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk