Potato growers in Punjab and Sindh, are facing serious economic challenges due to falling market prices, rising input costs and limited export opportunities, said Rana Amjad Ali Amjad,Provincial Coordinator of All Pakistan Kissan Ittehad Punjab here on Monday. He said potato prices in local markets had dropped below production costs, while expenses on seed, fertilizer, diesel, labour and transportation had increased sharply.

This situation has put growers under financial strain, whereas middlemen and hoarders were benefiting from market distortions.  Rana Amjad maintained restrictions on cross-border trade have reduced potato exports to neighboring countries, increasing pressure on domestic markets and further depressing prices. He said growers were also facing post-harvest issues, including crop damage during harvesting, inadequate storage facilities and price volatility. 

Amjad added that climate variability, water shortages, pests, diseases and the high cost of quality seed and fertilizers had compounded farmers’ difficulties. Natural calamities such as floods also caused crop losses, affecting farm incomes.  Highlighting farmers’ concerns, Rana Amjad said growers were seeking supportive policy measures, including facilitation of exports, a reasonable support price mechanism, improved market regulation and relief initiatives for affected farmers.

He expressed hope that continued engagement between stakeholders and authorities would help address these issues in a constructive manner.  He stressed that strengthening the agricultural sector and protecting farmers’ interests was vital for overall economic stability, adding that farmer welfare ultimately contributes to national prosperity. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)