Iran to Inspect New Mango Treatment Plants in Pakistan After Three-Year Gap
- Pakistan is preparing to host a two-member Iranian inspection team tasked with evaluating roughly 10 newly established hot-water treatment plants for mangoes.
- Pakistani mango exporters have experienced a steep drop in trade with Iran, shipping approximately 30,000 tonnes during the current season compared to over 60,000 tonnes in previous years,...
- Negotiations to resume the oversight mechanism involved extensive correspondence between the Iranian authorities, the Department of Plant Protection, and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Pakistan is preparing to host a two-member Iranian inspection team tasked with evaluating roughly 10 newly established hot-water treatment plants for mangoes. The upcoming assessment could clear the way for official approval of additional facilities, a crucial step for Pakistani exporters seeking to revive shipments to Iran following a sharp decline in trade.
Export Volumes Drop Amid Inspection Delay
Pakistani mango exporters have experienced a steep drop in trade with Iran, shipping approximately 30,000 tonnes during the current season compared to over 60,000 tonnes in previous years, according to industry sources cited by Dawn. Exporters report that the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran delayed the delegation’s arrival, which marks the first time Iranian authorities have inspected Pakistani hot-water treatment facilities in about three years.
Negotiations to resume the oversight mechanism involved extensive correspondence between the Iranian authorities, the Department of Plant Protection, and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Officials confirm that the newly upgraded treatment plants will be fully functional before the next mango season begins.
Phytosanitary Standards and Market Recovery
During the upcoming visit, the Iranian delegates will inspect treatment infrastructure, operating procedures, and compliance with strict phytosanitary requirements. Because Pakistan currently depends on a limited number of approved treatment plants to access the Iranian market—its sole major destination reached entirely by land—approval of the new facilities is expected to increase treatment capacity and grant greater flexibility to growers.
Abdul Waheed, chairman of the Fruits and Vegetables Exporters Association, cautioned that maintaining strict compliance with phytosanitary standards is vital for market recovery.
“Considerable room for recovery is visible if additional HWT plants are approved and treatment standards are strictly maintained,” Mr Waheed said, adding that further interception of non-compliant consignments would undermine confidence in Pakistan’s export controls.
DawnInternal Opposition and Logistics
Ahead of the inspection, officials noted that the Department of Plant Protection faced pushback from some existing treatment plant operators. According to industry reports, certain established owners attempted to protect their dominant market position by sending anonymous letters to Iranian authorities in an effort to delay or discourage the visit.
Despite these challenges, growers and exporters are closely watching the upcoming evaluation. Industry stakeholders emphasize that successfully expanding approved hot-water treatment capacity will help Pakistani exporters use their geographical proximity to regain lost ground in the Iranian market.