ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (Wealth Pakistan) – High-value mango varieties in Pakistan are reshaping orchard profitability as growers shift focus from volume to premium cultivars. Experts say choosing the right varieties can help farmers earn dollars instead of rupees through exports and better local prices.
Shift toward profitable mango varieties
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Abdul Ghaffar Grewal, former director of the Mango Research Institute Multan, said that only a few high-performing varieties are driving market demand.
“There are five mango varieties that are most profitable at this time,” he said. “These include Sindhri, Safaid Chaunsa, Late Ratol No 12, Chenab Gold, and Azeem Chaunsa.”
Recommended plantation mix
Grewal advised growers to dedicate 85–90 percent of their new orchards to these five varieties and use the remaining area for other favourites. He said the selected cultivars yield well, bear fruit every year, and have no record of crop failure.
“All five are exportable and also fetch good prices in the local market. Since buyers purchase them directly from the farm, growers save transport and commission costs,” he added.
Dominant cultivars and changing profitability
Pakistan produces about 95 percent of its mangoes from eleven major varieties, including Dasheri, Langra, Anwar Ratol, Sindhri, Chaunsa Summer Bahisht, Kala Chaunsa, Late Ratol No 12, Fajri, Safaid Chaunsa, Chenab Gold and Azeem Chaunsa.
However, Grewal pointed out that the once-popular Chaunsa Summer Bahisht is no longer profitable. “Farmers’ favourite Chaunsa Summer Bahisht is not included in these five varieties because its profit margin has declined,” he said.
Regional suitability and marketing cycles
Explaining regional differences, Grewal divided Pakistan’s mango-growing zones into three: Sindh, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan (including Muzaffargarh, Khanewal and Vehari). “Mango flowering begins in Sindh, then moves to Rahim Yar Khan, and finally to Multan,” he said.
Fruit ripens in the same sequence, defining marketing windows and export cycles. Sindhri remains the best variety for Sindh, while Swarna Rekha (known locally as Sanora) is also grown and exported from the province.
Profitable zones for top varieties
In Rahim Yar Khan, Sindhri, Safaid Chaunsa and Late Ratol No 12 offer the best returns and export prospects. Chenab Gold and Azeem Chaunsa perform better in Multan and nearby districts, where both yield well and have higher farm-gate prices.
“The largest cultivation of Azeem Chaunsa is in Uch Sharif, while Chenab Gold is mostly grown around Jalalpur,” Grewal said.
Export timing affects profitability
Grewal explained that Rahim Yar Khan’s Chenab Gold and Azeem Chaunsa lost export potential because of marketing timing. Exporters start procurement in Sindh for Sindhri and then move to Rahim Yar Khan and Multan. “By the time they return to Rahim Yar Khan, its fruit has already passed prime stage,” he said.
Old favourites losing market share
Some traditional varieties – Dasheri, Langra, Fajri, Kala Chaunsa and Chaunsa Summer Bahisht – have become less viable for large-scale cultivation. “Their supply now exceeds demand, so profits remain limited,” Grewal observed.
Even so, he added that Langra could still be planted in saline or slightly salty lands where other mangoes fail.
Future outlook
Experts believe that adopting high-value mango varieties in Pakistan will improve export quality, increase foreign exchange earnings, and stabilize farm incomes. Growers who plan strategically based on regional suitability and export timing can achieve consistent, higher profits year after year.