Mangoes: A summer lifeline against heatstroke

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Jun, 2026) As temperatures soar across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and heatwaves grip cities and villages alike, roadside vendors, labourers, farmers, traffic wardens and commuters are increasingly turning to one of nature's sweetest gifts for relief i.e., mango.

Known as the "King of fruits," mangoes are more than a seasonal delicacy for millions of Pakistanis but a vital lifeline against heatstroke.

Health experts said the juicy fruit plays a vital role in protecting people from heat-related illnesses while providing essential nutrients needed to stay healthy during the scorching summer months.

At a bustling fruit market, Chamkani in Peshawar, dozens of customers crowded around mango stalls, carefully selecting golden-yellow Sindhri and other varieties.

Among them was 58-year-old labourer Irshad Khan, who said mangoes have become an indispensable part of his family's summer diet.

"After spending long hours under the sun, nothing refreshes me more than a mango," he said. "It gives me energy and helps me feel less exhausted in this intense heat."

Medical experts support such beliefs and said that mangoes provide essential vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that help the body cope with extreme heat.

Professor Dr. Sirzamin Khan, head of the Medical Department at Government Hospital Nowshera said that they support the immune system, aid digestion and help maintain energy levels during hot weather.

According to Dr. Sirzamin, a traditional mango drink prepared with water and a small amount of sugar can help cool the body and reduce the risk of heat exhaustion.

The fruit is especially beneficial for people who spend prolonged periods outdoors, including labourers, farmers, traffic wardens, police personnel and construction workers.

“People working in high temperatures lose fluids and energy quickly,” he explained, advising people to make it part of diet.

“Mangoes help replenish nutrients and support overall health during the summer.”

Rich in Vitamins A and C, mangoes strengthen the immune system and provide antioxidants that help protect cells from damage. Their high fibre content supports digestion and may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Dr. Sirzamin recommended that families include mangoes in their seasonal diets, particularly children and senior citizens who are more vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related illnesses.

Beyond their health benefits, mangoes represent one of Pakistan's most valuable agricultural assets.

According to industry estimates, Pakistan produces around 1.8 million metric tons of mangoes annually. Nearly 70 percent of production comes from Punjab, 29 percent from Sindh and about one percent from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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The country's mango orchards stretch across Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Thatta, Multan, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Peshawar, Mardan and Dera Ismail Khan, supplying domestic markets and consumers around the world.

Popular varieties including Chaunsa, Sindhri, Langra, Dasehri, Anwar Ratool, Saroli, Samar Bahisht, Fajri, Neelum, Alphonso, Almas, Sanwal, Surkha and Sunera enjoy international recognition for their sweetness, aroma and unique flavour.

Among them, Chaunsa is widely regarded as one of the finest mango varieties in the world. Rich in dietary fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it combines exceptional taste with significant nutritional value.

Pakistan's mango industry generates more than $90 million annually in foreign exchange earnings.

The sector, which includes farming, processing, packaging, transportation and warehousing, supports a multi-billion-rupee economy and provides livelihoods to millions of people.

This year, exporters are targeting key markets in the Gulf region, China, United States, Türkiye, Japan, and Central Asia.

However, experts warned that the future of this treasured fruit is increasingly under threat from climate change.

Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and extreme weather events have begun affecting flowering and fruit production in several mango-growing regions.

Agricultural experts stressed that protecting Pakistan's mango industry requires immediate and coordinated action.

They advocated greater investment in climate research, disease management, modern irrigation systems and the development of heat-tolerant mango varieties capable of withstanding increasingly harsh weather conditions.

Researchers have also called for stronger collaboration among growers, agricultural universities and research institutions, including the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), to identify long-term solutions.

Without timely intervention, experts feared declining production could reduce exports, threaten rural livelihoods and limit the availability of one of Pakistan's most cherished fruits.

As another intense summer unfolds, mangoes continue to offer nourishment, refreshment and protection from the heat for millions of Pakistanis.

However, preserving this national treasure in the face of climate change remains a growing challenge that demands urgent attention.

For now, from roadside carts to family dining tables, the sweet taste of mangoes remains synonymous with summer — a source of comfort, nutrition and resilience against the season's relentless heat.

APP/fam