By Azeem Ahmed Khan

A strong demand has emerged for the formation of a dedicated potato export board to streamline exports and resolve longstanding issues facing growers and exporters.

The sector urgently needs a single platform to handle export-related matters, said Chaudhary Muhammad Maqsood Ahmad Jatt, Vice-President of the Potato Growers' Cooperative Society of Pakistan and former chairman of the Potato Research and Export Development Board, Punjab, while talking to Wealth Pakistan.

Emphasising the need for institutional reform, Maqsood Jatt said potato-related matters are currently handled by around a dozen departments, making procedures lengthy and complicated. “A Potato Export Board, comprising 8-9 competent members from government, technical fields, and farmer representatives, can resolve issues quickly and easily on a single platform,” he suggested.

He lauded the government’s efforts to restore potato exports to Russia, terming it a significant boost for the sector. “We welcome the lifting of the ban and hope the Afghan route will also reopen soon, as it provides a more viable and efficient access to Central Asian markets for our exports,” he said.

Highlighting logistical challenges, he said exporters are currently relying on longer routes via Iran, which significantly increase transportation costs. “The freight cost of an NLC trawler alone is quite high, which reduces farmers’ profit margins,” he added.

Maqsood Jatt also raised concerns over delays at the Pak-Iran border, where potato consignments for Central Asian markets remain stuck for days due to customs congestion. “Perishable goods like potatoes must be cleared on priority. Even a delay of one or two days can spoil the consignment,” he warned, adding that shipments destined for Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan have been particularly affected.

Maqsood Jatt urged the government to improve customs arrangements at the Taftan border by ensuring round-the-clock operations and increasing the number of clearance counters. “Faster clearance will prevent losses and improve export efficiency,” he said.

He stressed that Central Asian states remain key markets, with Uzbekistan being the largest importer, followed by Kazakhstan and Russia. “If Russia restricts imports, other regional markets tend to follow,” he observed.

Discussing production and varieties, he said Pakistan grows more than 150 potato varieties, but only a few dominate exports, including Mozika, Sante, and Asterix.

He noted that around 80% of this season’s potato production has already been harvested, while the remaining 20% is still in the fields. Pakistan exports potatoes to about 39 countries, with Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries among the major destinations.

He also expressed concern over low domestic prices, warning that farmers and exporters could suffer heavy losses if their issues remain unresolved. “Potatoes are being sold at very nominal rates, which is alarming for growers,” he added.

Criticising the composition of a recently formed 24-member potato export committee, he said it lacked representation from key potato-producing districts and industry stakeholders. “Those who are directly involved in potato production and export were not adequately included,” he said.

Maqsood Jatt said Pakistan ranks ninth in global potato production and is a member of the World Potato Club, but its export share remains only around 3%, indicating untapped potential.

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he appreciated the Korean seed potato project and urged authorities to focus on multiplying high-demand varieties suited for export markets.

“Potato exports can generate valuable foreign exchange, but unless exporters are facilitated, they will not be able to compete effectively,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk