Egypt's Mango Harvest Faces Heatwave Challenges: Exporters Cope with Sunburnt Crops

 

An ongoing heatwave in Egypt is causing significant disruptions to the country's mango harvest, with disastrous consequences for much of the fruit intended for export. Mango farmers in the Nubareya region of El Beheira province are grappling with sunburn, a common issue affecting fruits grown in dry areas like Egypt.

Mangoes are known to thrive in hot and humid climates, but extreme temperatures exceeding the mid-40s Celsius (above 113°F) have taken a toll on this year's crop. The visible damage of sunburn is evident on the fruit's skin, presenting as dry, brown patches. According to Hassan El Refaey, a mango farmer in Al Nubareya, approximately four out of every ten mangoes in his orchard have fallen victim to sunburn this season.

The consequences of sunburn have far-reaching implications for the mango export industry. Egypt's mangoes are primarily destined for international markets, but customs inspectors are stringent about the quality of the exported produce. Sunburnt mangoes, once detected, often lead to the entire batch being rejected and sent back to the farmers.

The problem goes beyond mere rejection, as farmers have observed that the presence of one sunburnt mango in a crate with healthy ones can lead to the discolouration spreading, compromising the rest of the shipment.

As temperatures continue to soar, mango farmers in Egypt are faced with the challenging task of preserving their harvest and ensuring that the fruits meet the stringent standards for export. Innovative strategies and protective measures are being sought to safeguard Egypt's mango industry, which plays a vital role in the country's agricultural and economic landscape.