Mohammed Qashyah, a farmer in the Bajil district of Al-Hodeida governorate, spends many hours before his farm, distressed, with an expression of despair and disappointment on his face caused by the smear campaign propagated on social media platforms. The campaign falsely alleged that Yemeni mangoes were infested with worms due to excessive pesticide use by farmers.
Qashyah tells "Khuyut," "I've incurred losses exceeding ten million riyals, which is the initial loss due to the difference in mango selling prices since the beginning of this unjust campaign, which was unexpected and baseless." He points out the significant drop in mango prices, noting that a basket of 'Taimur' mangoes was sold for around 15,000 riyals before the campaign but dropped to 2,000 riyals afterward. He also confirms that some farmers resorted to throwing some varieties of mangoes on the side of the road due to traders, exporters, and consumers abstaining from purchasing them.
Moreover, he also affirms their commitment as farmers to adhere to all agricultural guidelines diligently, ensuring the quality of the product, considering it the commodity they rely on for their livelihoods and income. He emphasizes that it cannot be presented as adulterated to markets and consumers.
In recent days, there has been an issue raised regarding the alleged infestation of Yemeni mango fruits with worms, propagated by some social media platforms, attributing it to farmers' excessive use of pesticides. This coincided with a similar campaign concerning the smuggling of banned pesticides into Yemen.
“Agricultural authorities have leveled accusations against specific entities, labeling them as "malicious", purportedly intent on sabotaging the national economy and disrupting the efficiency of farmers' marketing efforts. Meanwhile, many consumers and experts consider the emergence of such issues to be a natural result of negligence and mismanagement by the relevant authorities, as well as a lack of awareness of risks and their management from an early stage.”
This campaign spread rapidly, causing immense distress for hundreds of farmers, whose dreams of prosperity turned into nightmares of debt and accumulating losses. The repercussions of this campaign resulted in a slump in product sales in the local markets and a decline in demand for Yemeni mangoes from neighboring countries that import large quantities of this fruit known for its quality and distinction.
Like many other mango farmers, Qashyah is experiencing a severe economic crisis due to low prices, market stagnation, and the inability to sell his produce coinciding with the recent campaign, resulting in returns no longer covering production costs.
For his part, Hassan Qadhi, a mango farmer from the "Al Marawi'ah" area in Al-Hodeida governorate, explains to "Khuyut" that mango prices, although initially low at the beginning of the season, were acceptable until this campaign was spread, which had a significant impact on an unnatural decrease in prices and a collective reluctance to purchase. Additionally, according to Qadhi, farmers are now only concerned with covering production costs and workers' wages, no longer thinking about profit. He warns that this situation may lead farmers to abstain from production in future seasons.
Additional Burdens
For its part, "Khuyut" surveyed the opinions of relevant authorities, consumers, exporters, and farmers to unveil the truth behind the allegations circulating on social media regarding mangoes and the reported spread of "worms inside the fruits." The investigation aimed to understand the motives and effects of these claims as well as the real reasons behind the stagnation of this season's mango crop, which is considered one of the most abundant seasons for this fruit.
Likewise, Ahmed Darwish, a mango farmer in an area located between the regions of "Bajil and Al-Kadan" in Al-Hodeidah governorate, which accounts for the largest share of mango production in Yemen, tells "Khuyut": "We were surprised by this campaign, which added additional burdens to our suffering. It takes four years for a farmer to care for a mango tree before being able to harvest and sell its fruits in the market. Consequently, this requires spending considerable amounts on watering, fertilizers, and pesticides during this period."
He further adds, "With the ripening of the fruit, we, farmers, face exploitation by traders and middlemen, even in normal circumstances, especially this year, even before the smear campaign. Then, finally, this campaign emerged, which shattered all our dreams and was a devastating blow to the hearts of all farmers." This sentiment is echoed by farmer Ali bin Ali Al-Futaini, who emphasized that this campaign has resulted in a major catastrophe for farmers, urging the relevant authorities to track and pursue those responsible for spreading such campaigns without evidence. Such campaigns harm the interests of a large segment of society, and most importantly, they damage the national economy and tarnish the reputation of this product.
As for Adel Faraj, a farmer from the Al-Jarahi area, he says, "The merchant who buys mangoes carefully inspects them. Actually, if the farmer finds any fruits infested with insects, he works to remove and discard them so they do not affect the rest of the crop." He emphasizes that the videos circulating on social media about the presence of worms on some mango fruits are greatly exaggerated.
Targeted Campaign
On the other hand, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Sana'a have leveled accusations against specific entities, labeling them as "malicious" in their statements to "Khuyut." They stated that these entities are purportedly intent on sabotaging the national economy and disrupting the efficiency of farmers' marketing efforts. Meanwhile, many consumers and experts consider the emergence of such issues to be a natural result of negligence and mismanagement by the relevant authorities, as well as a lack of awareness of risks and their management from an early stage.
Regarding this matter, Engineer Hafizallah Al-Quradhi, the Director of the Agricultural Extension Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, informs "Khuyut" that the campaign against this fruit, whether it initially began spontaneously or not, has evolved into an orchestrated effort aimed at disrupting the production of a crucial commodity during its final stage, namely the marketing phase. This campaign has also had detrimental effects on the reputation of the product. He further highlights that this year marks Yemen's achievement of excellence in production with high-quality standards.
In relation to the Mediterranean fruit fly affecting mangoes and other fruits, Al-Quradhi confirms that this year, 2024, the infestation rate in mango fruits did not exceed 5%, compared to about 25% last year in 2023. He also emphasizes that this fly is a border-crossing insect found in all countries worldwide.
Actually, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, under the authority of Sana'a, had previously taken the initiative to issue a statement refuting the validity of rumors circulating on some social media platforms regarding mangoes. It confirmed that those rumors are baseless and aim to target the local product, diminish its quality, and impact the reputation of Yemeni mango exports.
In this regard, engineer Saleh Al-Imad, a member of the agricultural extension team and Deputy Director-General of Agricultural Media and Extension, who conducted field surveys as part of a team assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, confirms to "Khuyut" that the rumors are baseless and are part of a targeted campaign aimed at defaming this national agricultural product.
Despite these visits being limited to specific markets in the capital city of Sana'a, specifically the Dhahban market, the Ministry found itself under accusations of negligence. This prompted its staff to mobilize both on the ground and through social media platforms to launch a counter-campaign and improve its tarnished image in the eyes of consumers. However, it proved less effective than the spontaneous campaign led by citizens to defend the product with their on-the-ground presence in markets, showcasing and consuming the fruit in front of cameras.
Dozens of activists have also posted and tweeted under the hashtag #Going_to_buy_a_basket_of_mangoes, criticizing this campaign that tarnishes this national product.
Similarly, in a discussion about the campaign targeting mangoes on social media, verification and fact-checking expert Farouk Muqbil Al-Kamali tells "Khuyut": "Rumors are not coincidental but rather a systematic effort launched with a specific goal at the right time and moment. The campaign targeting Yemeni mangoes was launched at a time when the issue of pesticides was dominating discussions on all social media platforms. This redirected attention directly towards a completely new story and issue, making farmers and the mango marketing season the victims of this orchestrated campaign."
Regarding videos surfaced on social media discussing the impact of this campaign on exports and the decrease in prices in neighboring countries, some investors downplayed the significance of this campaign on external exports, emphasizing its greater impact locally, as stated by investor Khalid Mawu’dha to "Khuyut."
He asserts that the export market remains unaffected, citing the awareness of consumers in countries receiving Yemeni mangoes. He explains that local market abundance has led to low prices. Furthermore, he attributes the recent price drop in the neighboring Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the emergence of Jazan mangoes, a competing product typically available in April, May, and June, coinciding with the end of Yemen's production season, which starts in January.
In addition, many countries have modern mechanisms for detecting “residual trace,” as is the case in Dubai and Oman, while Jordan works on detection through thermal sterilization " evaporation." All countries acknowledge that Yemeni products are naturally organic without pesticides, which distinguishes them with a competitive quality in the Arab market and a unique taste.
Insects and the Mediterranean Fruit Fly
The fruit fly is a dipterous insect and is one of the agricultural pests. It infests fruit trees, causing substantial damage and consequently reducing their productivity. The female of this fly lays her eggs inside a cavity beneath the fruit's skin. When these eggs hatch, whitish-yellow larvae emerge and feed on the fruit pulp, weakening it and causing it to fall prematurely. As these larvae grow somewhat and enter the pupal stage, they exit the fruit and burrow into the soil, typically around three centimeters below the surface. However, the depth at which the pupae are found depends on the type and moisture content of the soil.
According to scientific references, the impact of fruit flies on crop productivity comes in two ways: The first is caused by fruit decay and unsuitability for consumption due to complete feeding on the fruit pulp and the presence of larvae, leading to the formation of rot and diseases. This results in a loss of about 30% of production. The second is causing secondary damages that reduce the marketable value of the fruits, estimated at around 5%.
Despite the controversies surrounding the smear campaign and the counter-campaign, the issue of fruit fly infestation in mangoes this season is real. It is one of the obstacles faced by mangoes, as well as other fruits and agricultural crops. However, the discussion about mango infestation has been exaggerated, resulting in negative effects on farmers and a general decline in the purchase of the product.
This was confirmed by a statement from the Yemeni Association of Agricultural Engineers, which considered the campaign to have come at a difficult time for Yemen, aiming to tarnish this national product. The statement dismissed any correlation between the use of pesticides and the appearance of worms in mango fruits, confirming that the rate of infestation is very low and does not represent a widespread phenomenon.
According to the statement, the reason for the infestation of worms is attributed to improper agricultural practices, such as not covering the fruits with protective nets to prevent the attack of the Mediterranean fruit fly. This fly lays its eggs on the fruits, which later hatch into larvae (worms). Improper storage conditions can also contribute to fruit spoilage and attract harmful insects. It's worth noting that fruits affected by worms can be easily identified by the presence of black holes on them.
Similarly, Engineer Ali Mahrez, the head of the Pesticide Experiments Department at the General Administration of Plant Protection in the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Sana'a, reaffirmed the same in a statement to "Khuyut": " The promotion of the presence of worms in Yemeni mango fruits due to farmers' excessive use of insecticides is illogical because the cause of the worm infestation is the inadequacy of spraying, not the other way around." He pointed out that agricultural extension for farmers began in November 2023, but there must be some mistakes, which are limited and often caused by farmers' ignorance about control methods, in addition to the significant spread and expansion in mango cultivation.
He also addressed the losses incurred by farmers as a result of this campaign, amidst consumers' reluctance to purchase and the stagnation of the product in the markets. Despite the fact that the presence of worms on the fruits poses no risk to consumers, their presence serves as evidence of the absence of insecticides. He pointed out that the quantities of pesticides used for mangoes are very minimal compared to other countries worldwide.
Mahrez also explained that farmers had been previously alerted and reminded of the previous year's season, which experienced a surge in fruit fly infestations, with complaints reaching the relevant authorities at the end of the season. This situation made it difficult to provide appropriate solutions in time. For this reason, farmers were provided with a proactive bulletin that included methods for combating the fruit fly, the pesticides that should be used for spraying, and other relevant guidelines.
The Mediterranean fruit fly first appeared on mango crops in Yemen in 1992. However, the first major outbreak on apple, mango, guava, and peach crops occurred in 2022. Mahrez explains that this insect affects approximately 80 plant families, the most significant of which are mango, guava, peach, elderberry, and citrus fruits. Further, the fly can travel 80-100 kilometers per day. Using its pointed ovipositor, the fly lays 7 to 20 eggs inside the soft, ripe fruits. These eggs hatch within 5 to 7 days, resulting in the emergence of larvae (worms).
The expected reasons for the current spread can be attributed to the significant expansion of mango cultivation in Yemen, farmers' ignorance about control methods, increased ground temperatures, and the indiscriminate and intensive use of pesticides. The random use of pesticides may kill beneficial insects in the agricultural environment, causing an imbalance that allows pests to proliferate and turn into epidemics. Additionally, according to Mahrez, combating this worm should occur 30 to 40 days before harvest by collecting and disposing of infected and fallen fruits to prevent further reproduction and spread of the pest.
In this regard, Dr. Ali Al-Qasimi, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Sana'a, explains to "Khuyut": "During the summer season, fruits such as mangoes, apricots, watermelon, and others become abundant due to the high temperatures, facilitating their ripening and consequent availability in the market. It is natural to find some fruits infested with worms, a phenomenon not exclusive to Yemen but widespread globally. The summer season fosters insect proliferation, including the Mediterranean fruit fly."
Regarding the impact of these worms or insects on human health, Al-Qasimi adds, "If, by mistake, some people consume these fruits infested with worms, especially those who cannot distinguish between infested and uninfested fruits, there are digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid in the stomach that have the ability to kill and digest the worms. The body can even benefit from them, as these worms contain proteins. However, individuals with weak immune systems may experience abdominal pain or diarrhea."
Therefor, to eradicate this insect, trees should be sprayed with pesticides designated for fruit flies before their fruits ripen. Dr. Al-Qasimi attributes the slump in mango sales in Yemeni markets to various factors, including the inability to market abroad and export, alongside citizens' low purchasing power due to a decrease in financial liquidity resulting from the interruption of salaries and low income. Additionally, this fruit is considered a luxury, while people prioritize essentials and necessities to meet their nutritional needs.
“Mangoes are one of Yemen's main export products, contributing significantly to trade activity for exporters. Yemeni mangoes are renowned in global markets for their quality and distinctive taste. Among the most famous varieties globally are the Yemeni "Taimur and the "Qalb-althor," both of which enjoy great popularity in many countries around the world.”
According to experts and market players, the slump in mango sales is part of an unprecedented slowdown in commercial activity overall, stemming from the prolonged war and conflict in Yemen spanning nearly nine years. There are economic reports confirming that the ongoing economic deterioration in the country, coupled with the diminishing purchasing power of households, the shrinking job opportunities, and the escalating food prices, collectively exacerbate the crisis of food insecurity. Adding to these challenges is the closure of the Haradh land border crossing, upon which farmers and traders heavily relied for exports. This closure is considered one of the primary reasons behind the marketing crisis and the slump in mango sales.
Al-Qasimi also points out that another reason for the slump is the significant increase in mango cultivation in Yemen in recent years. Additionally, many farmers who previously grew other varieties have shifted their focus specifically to the 'Taimur' variety. He adds, "I have warned many farmers who have established new 'Taimur' farms over the past ten years that the price of this variety will decrease due to its widespread cultivation. I advised them to maintain the diversity of varieties, but farmers did not respond to this."
Abundance and Surplus in Production
Many Yemeni provinces are known for cultivating diverse varieties of mangoes, which are currently flooding into local markets in ample quantities and at low prices. The productivity of mango trees ranges from twenty to seventy kilograms per tree for young trees aged between three and four years. On the other hand, mature and older trees, aged between ten and forty years, have an average productivity ranging from eighty to ninety kilograms.
According to the annual agricultural statistics data for 2021, Yemen's mango production reached approximately 401,758 tons, cultivated over an area of 26,368 hectares. The exported quantities amount to about 90,000 tons. Official Yemeni reports estimate the number of mango trees planted in Yemen to be around 2,017,000.
On the other side, Engineer Ali Ahmed Al-Hareb, Deputy Director of Marketing and Trade at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Sana'a, confirms to "Khuyut" that Yemeni mangoes enjoy a high global reputation and are considered among the finest in the world. They are distinguished by their unique flavor, high quality, and exquisite taste.
Al-Hareb points out that mangoes are one of Yemen's main export products, contributing significantly to trade activity for exporters. Yemeni mangoes are renowned in global markets for their quality and distinctive taste. Among the most famous varieties globally are the Yemeni "Taimur and the Qalb-althor," both of which enjoy great popularity in many countries around the world.
Besides, economic experts emphasize the importance of fully utilizing the surplus production of mangoes by establishing specialized factories for fruit canning, canned juices, or mango pulp packaging, and constructing facilities dedicated to this purpose. These endeavors would contribute to employing local workforce, especially in rural areas, in addition to focusing on marketing guidance.
It is noteworthy that the mango is an evergreen tree whose origin is India, and it belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with India and South Africa being the world's largest producers. Its cultivation is widespread in the Arab world, particularly in Egypt, Sudan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
In his study titled "Physiological and Pathological Studies on Mango Decline Disease and its Control Methods, 2010," researcher Najeeb Sallam affirms that mango cultivation was introduced to Yemen from India, Egypt, and some East African countries since the mid-nineteenth century. The planting of mango trees began in Yemen in 1844 at the Palace of the Sultan of Lahj and the Circus Garden in Al-Hautah city. However, mango cultivation remained limited to certain areas in the Lahj, Abyan, and Al-Hodeida provinces, covering only tens of hectares, primarily for local consumption. Since the 1970s, the Yemeni state has shown interest in this crop and prioritized it within agricultural development programs by introducing new varieties, acclimatizing them, improving production quantity and quality, and conducting research experiments at agricultural research stations and centers across the republic.
