A parliamentary committee has voiced concern over a decline in Pakistan’s mango production, with growers linking the trend to reduced demand for natural mango pulp following regulatory changes that allowed greater use of artificial sweeteners and additives in beverages.
The issue came under discussion during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by MNA Tariq Hussain. Representatives of the Multan Mango Growers Association attended the session and highlighted challenges facing the country’s mango industry.
Growers told the committee that demand for natural mango pulp has weakened in recent years as beverage manufacturers increasingly rely on artificial sweeteners and synthetic ingredients. They argued that the shift has negatively affected mango-based products and reduced opportunities for the fruit sector.
According to the association, natural mango pulp was widely used in juice production before 2021. However, changes introduced by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority allowed greater use of artificial additives and chemical sweeteners, leading to lower consumption of products made with natural mango ingredients.
The committee also reviewed health concerns related to synthetic beverages. Representatives from the Ministry of National Health Services shared findings from the National Institute of Health, which indicated that frequent consumption of such beverages may be associated with adverse health effects.
Lawmakers were informed that Pakistan’s mango production has declined from 2.2 million tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes in recent years. The committee discussed the need to address production challenges, ensure food safety standards, and strengthen export strategies to support one of the country’s most important fruit industries.
