The rapid conversion of mango orchards into housing colonies and commercial developments in and around Multan is not only posing a serious threat to the environment but also depriving hundreds of skilled gardeners of their livelihoods. For decades, Multan has been known as the mango capital of Pakistan, with vast orchards providing employment to thousands of workers involved in plantation, budding, pruning, irrigation, and overall orchard management. However, as agricultural land is increasingly being used for urban expansion, many experienced gardeners are finding themselves without work.
Gardeners Share Their Struggles
Sajid, a gardener from Nawabpur Road, said he had spent most of his life working in mango orchards and possessed extensive experience in orchard care and maintenance. He said the number of orchards in his area had declined significantly over the years as residential colonies continued to replace agricultural land.
“Earlier, there was plenty of work available throughout the year, but now orchard owners are cutting down trees and selling their land for development projects,” he said. “As a result, I could no longer support my family through gardening and had to take up a job as a peon at a school.”
Sajid said many other gardeners were facing similar difficulties, adding that their specialized skills were closely linked to orchard management and could not easily be transferred to other professions.
Another Gardener's Perspective
Another gardener, Danish, said he had been involved in orchard work since childhood and was particularly skilled in nursery plantation and budding techniques. He recalled that the income earned from gardening had helped him continue his education and support his family.
Expressing concern over the declining number of orchards, Danish said hundreds of gardeners were either unemployed or struggling to find regular work. “Most of us know only this profession. When orchards disappear, our source of income disappears as well,” he remarked.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental experts also warn that the large-scale cutting of mango orchards could worsen the impacts of climate change in the region by reducing green cover, increasing temperatures, and affecting biodiversity.
Call for Government Action
The affected gardeners have urged the government to introduce measures to protect orchards from unchecked conversion into residential schemes. They said preserving mango orchards would not only help safeguard the environment but would also ensure sustainable employment for hundreds of skilled workers whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
