Chaunsa Mango: The king of fruits
PESHAWAR (APP): As the blistering summer sun scorches Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one fruit has captured the hearts and tastebuds of residents across the province ie the luscious and golden Chaunsa mango.
Zakir Ali, 55, a fruit vendor in Pabbi Bazaar, Nowshera, can hardly hide his joy after sale’s boom. Standing behind a makeshift fruit stall under a blue tarpaulin, he beams with satisfaction.
“I brought 50 kilograms of Chaunsa mangoes from the Chamkani fruit market, Peshawar and sold them all by Sunday evening,” he says with a proud grin.
Known for its unparalleled sweetness and creamy, fiber-free pulp, the Chaunsa mango often called the “King of Mangoes” is experiencing a surge in demand across the region.
“People specifically ask for mangoes from Rahim Yar Khan and Multan,” Zakir shares. “They say the taste of chunsa mango is unmatched.”
Sajid Khan, a mangoes lover in the bustling Chamkani bazaar, agrees and said “The Chaunsa mango is not just fruit but an experience as people wants it again and again,” he says. “We use it for making fresh juices, milkshakes, and even serve slices with ice to beat the heat.”
The mango’s rise in popularity is not without reason. Its intense aroma, juicy flesh, and melt-in-your-mouth flavor make it a favorite not just in Pakistan, but across the globe.
A single ripe Chaunsa mango can fill an entire room with its rich, tropical fragrance. Its golden-yellow hue and smooth skin only add to its visual appeal.
The story of the Chaunsa mango begins in South Punjab, particularly the fertile lands of Rahim Yar Khan and Multan. The fruit gets its name from a small town called Chaunsa, where it was first cultivated and gained popularity over generations.
Dr. Ali Syed, a senior agriculture research officer, explains that several varieties of Chaunsa arrive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between June and August. “Multani Chaunsa, White Chaunsa, Azeem Chaunsa, and Seasonal Chaunsa are among the most popular,” he says.
Pakistan has started mango exports, targeting 125,000 tonnes this season, with projected earnings of $100 million in foreign exchange.
He said the export target for the current season is 25,000 tonnes higher than last year’s figure. However, he warned that climate challenges may impact the overall supply of mangoes this year.
He said mango production in Pakistan has been consistently declining due to climate change and water scarcity and is a risk of up to a 20 per cent reduction in total mango production this year due to flooding in Punjab.
Typically, Pakistan produces around 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes annually, with Punjab contributing 70pc, Sindh 29pc and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa around 1pc. “After the projected 20pc decline, this season’s total production may drop to around 1.4m tonnes,” he added.
Ali Syed highlighted that efforts are underway to boost mango exports to non-traditional markets. In addition to regular buyers, exporters are now targeting Japan, the United States, South Korea and Australia, while placing special focus on expanding exports to Turkiye and China.
South Africa is also expected to open its market to Pakistani mangoes this season. “Quarantine experts from South Africa will visit Pakistan during the season, and we hope this will pave the way for mango exports to begin there,” he reiterated.
The mangoes are not just local favorites but they’re Pakistan’s top mango export. “Chaunsa is widely exported to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK, Europe, and the United States,” Dr. Syed said.
Despite its growing international fame, the Chaunsa mango remains deeply embedded in Pakistani culture. It’s not just about flavor but it’s about shared memories of summer, family gatherings, and roadside fruit stalls brimming with golden sweetness.
For Zakir Ali and countless other small-scale fruit sellers, the rise of Chaunsa mangoes represents more than business—it’s a lifeline. “When people come asking for Chaunsa, I know my day will go well,” Zakir smiles, wiping sweat from his brow. “It’s the king of fruits and now, the king of my stall.”
As long as the sun keeps shining and mango lovers keep lining up despite price hike, the reign of the Chaunsa mango in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across Pakistan shows no signs of fading and is being sold like a hot cake.
