ISLAMABAD: In a perplexing turn of events, mango export to Iran has resumed after a month-long suspension attributed to closure of treatment plants. This resumption comes shortly after a change in government, raising eyebrows over the “sudden decision” and the alleged absence of required hot water treatment for the export-oriented fruit.
Numerous mango exporters, particularly from Multan, have come forward with concerns about the resumption of exports without the mandated treatment process. Under Iranian phyto standards, mangoes require hot water treatment to prevent spread of pests and diseases. However, a group of exporters, who wished not to be named, disclosed that they were instructed by a private Hot Water Treatment (HWT) plant owner to transport untreated mangoes to the border, where they would receive certificates, attesting to treatment.
The exporters claimed that a specific HWT plant had received approval from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) to issue certificates without actually performing the requisite treatment process. Curiously, apart from a single HWT plant based in Karachi, no other facility in the country (over 19) was actively treating mangoes due to the rigorous and frequently changing treatment criteria set by the DPP.
Questions have arisen about the apparent favoritism shown to the Karachi-based HWT plant by the DPP, allowing it to treat and export mangoes while others struggled to meet the imposed standards. Babar Durrani, the owner of Durrani HWT plant in Sindh, expressed his bewilderment over the perceived double standard, citing that his plant had been working to meet the DPP’s criteria. “We are trying to meet the SOPs set by DPP,” he said indicating that even his plant has not yet begun mango treatment.
Exporters voiced concerns about the feasibility of treating such a large quantity of mangoes from a single plant within a short timeframe, further casting doubt on the integrity of the process. Skepticism grew as reports emerged that multiple trucks loaded with mangoes from Multan had already reached Quetta and were en route to the Taftan border for onward export to Iran.
When questioned, Ali Asghar, the Director of Quarantine at the DPP, claimed to be unaware of the situation due to his leave. On the other hand, Abid Alla Deta, the Director General of the DPP, stated that the department had not suspended any HWT plants and emphasized that only treated mangoes would be permitted for export to Iran.
The suspension of several HWT plants due to stringent and fluctuating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by the DPP has led to significant losses for exporters and growers. Notably, HWT plants in Sindh, dealing with the Sindhri mango variety, continued operations while those in Punjab struggled due to treatment issues.
HWT plant owners criticized the DPP’s insistence on using portable sensors alongside the central command system for temperature monitoring during treatment. They argued that the portable sensors were redundant, susceptible to damage, and costly to replace. This dispute resulted in the closure of multiple HWT plants in Multan, exacerbating the challenges faced by exporters and mango growers.
As the crisis escalates, concerns have been raised about the potential financial losses to farmers and the country’s economy if the prized Chaunsa White mango variety cannot be exported to Iran. Exporters have urged authorities to reevaluate the monitoring regime and permit HWT plants to adhere to the stipulated SOPs to ensure the continuation of the mango export industry and safeguard stakeholders’ interests.
Amid economic hardships, addressing this issue promptly is crucial to secure a significant revenue stream for the nation. As the situation unfolds, the intersection of government policies, private interests, and the integrity of mango exports remains a subject of intense scrutiny and debate.
