Estimation of Competitiveness of Sudanese Mango Fruits

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the competitiveness and to identify the comparative advantages of Sudanese mango exports and determination of the causes that lead to the fluctuations of mango exports during the period (2010- 2012) and suggesting recommendations and strategies to improve the performance of this sector which can play an important role in Sudan’s economy. The study used primary data collected from some exporters in this field beside the secondary data which were collected from the related sources such as ministries, government bodies and FAO annual reports. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Policy Matrix Analysis (PAM) method. The main findings of the study were that; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K. S. A.) was the largest importing country. There was a competitive advantage for the Sudanese mango but, economic profitability was greater than financial profitability this was due to direct and indirect taxes imposed on mango exports. The study found that the main causes of fluctuation of export are: - Increase of the export costs, absence of extension and training programmes for mango growers especially in production, harvesting, grading, sorting and packaging phases. There is no process of preparation, cleaning, grading and waxing. This leads to variation in size and ripeness of fruits in one package. - There are many departments related to horticultural export, the interaction between them with respect to information and other export promotion services is minimal leading to confusion among the exporters. - Instability of policies had limited export expansion. - Bad roads, unsuitable trucks from farms to export collection centers reduce marketing value and increase rate of crop waste. - Export by air saves time but it is faced by many problems such as; export is mainly through passengers' aeroplanes permitting limited quantities. - In addition to lack of coordination between Sudanese Airways Department of Cargo, Engineering and Reservation offices leading to change the flight number of export at any time or cancelling the trip, this might expose fruits to damage and deterioration of their value even in domestic market. To improve the export of Sudanese mango, efforts from the farmers, exporters and government at the same time are needed. There are many suggestions that will help to improve the performance of export and obtain high volume of foreign market sales. To establish special farms to produce high quality mango, the owners must calculate the risks involved before and after cultivation by: - Using improved varieties like those from South Africa. - Using good fertilizers. - Control seed infection by using suitable pesticides. - Need to have trained farmers and crop collection that have a significant perception about cultivation and harvesting. - The establishment of large companies or firms to deal only with mango export and carries on all the activities from production to delivery. These companies must: - Introduce better cooling system for transportations. - Use developed warehouses. - Use new technology in post-harvesting operations. The government has significant positive influence on the improvement process such as: - Helps the export sector with financing and reduces the cost of fees and the commission of the export returns. - Helps the farming sector by organizing education programs in harvesting, and training courses on how to improve the crop collection. - Integrates market information and the trade system to provide information about markets and prices.