Pakistan missed its mango export target of 1.5m tonnes and earnings fell well below its US$50m potential, reports Pakistan's online paper thenews.com.pk.

Waheed Ahmed, the recently-elected chairman of Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association (PFVA), blamed the closure of the Iranian market and logistical problems for the drop in exports and earnings.

He said Pakistan earned US$39m from exports this year, and that the closure of the Iranian market lost the sector US$10m. 

Lengthy consignment inspections to combat drug smuggling also contributed to this year's loss in earnings, Ahmed said.

Ahmed told the publication that Pakistan's mango industry would focus on exports to Japan, Australia, South Korea, the US, Mauritius and Lebanon in future.

He added that the sector would undertake initiatives to improve mango quality and thereby boost exports. 

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