Mango, Dates festival opens at MNSUAM to boost exports, climate-smart farming

MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jul, 2026) Seeking to strengthen Pakistan's horticulture sector through research, innovation and market linkages, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan (MNSUAM) on Saturday launched

a two-day Mango & Dates Festival featuring business networking, scientific discussions,

cultural festivities and family entertainment.

The festival was jointly inaugurated by Commissioner Amir Kareem and MNSUAM Vice Chancellor

Dr Asif Ali in the presence of farmers, exporters, processors, researchers and representatives

of allied industries from across Pakistan.

Vice chancellors of several public and private universities also attended the opening ceremony,

along with Bangladesh High Commissioner MD Iqbal Hussain Khan underscoring the international

interest in Pakistan's world-renowned mangoes and rapidly expanding date industry.

An extensive exhibition showcasing dozens of mango and date varieties remained the centre

of attraction, with visitors thronging stalls displaying fresh produce, processed food products

and modern orchard technologies. Mango and date growers from different regions, besides leading agribusiness companies, established stalls highlighting improved cultivars, value-added products, post-harvest technologies, irrigation systems and farm inputs.

A key feature of the festival was the Business-to-Business (B2B) networking forum, which brought together growers, exporters, processors, traders and corporate representatives to explore investment opportunities, develop commercial partnerships and discuss strategies for increasing Pakistan's exports of mangoes and dates.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Ali said agriculture was entering a new era where scientific research, technological innovation and market-oriented production would determine future success.

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He said MNSUAM was committed to connecting researchers with farmers and industry to ensure that modern agricultural technologies reached orchards and translated into higher productivity and better incomes.

He said Pakistan enjoys a natural advantage in producing premium-quality mangoes and dates, but sustained investment in climate-resilient farming, quality assurance, value addition and export-oriented production was essential to unlock the sector's full economic potential. He added that the university would continue serving as a hub for research, innovation and stakeholder collaboration to support sustainable horticultural development.

Later, experts, scientists and horticulture specialists participated in a technical session titled "Oasis to Orchard Economy: Smart Climate-Resistant Mango and Date Production Systems." The speakers highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change and stressed the adoption of precision agriculture, efficient irrigation, improved orchard management, disease control and modern post-harvest practices to safeguard production and improve competitiveness in international markets.

Besides its commercial and academic activities, the festival offered a rich blend of infotainment and cultural celebrations. Families and children enjoyed a fun gala featuring cultural performances, recreational activities, food stalls and interactive exhibits, creating a festive atmosphere that celebrated the heritage and economic importance of Pakistan's two signature fruits.

The two-day festival is expected to promote collaboration among academia, farmers, industry and policymakers while encouraging investment, technological advancement and export growth in the country's mango and date sectors.

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1710 hrs