Punjab aims for potato export

Punjab is close to exporting potatoes to the global market with a bumper crop.

Potato production in the province has increased by 25 per cent compared to last year with a record output of 12 million tonnes. According to a statement, the Punjab government is pursuing measures for agricultural cooperation with Kazakhstan.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sought permission from the prime minister to allow exports in order to prevent wastage of the record potato crop.

Progress regarding potato exports is expected during engagements between a Kazakh delegation currently in Pakistan and the Punjab government.

The Punjab government is in continuous contact with federal authorities to ensure effective export measures.

Efforts are under way to access new export markets to stabilise prices and ensure fair compensation for farmers.

The chief minister said Kazakhstan was the first step and access to more international agricultural markets would follow.

She stressed that the record potato harvest would not be sold at throwaway prices and farmers would not be left at the mercy of middlemen or market forces.

She added that the Punjab government was taking steps in coordination with the federal government to secure better returns for farmers, saying that the bumper crop would bring prosperity rather than hardship for growers.

The chief minister stated in a social media post that efforts were under way to ensure price stability and fair compensation for farmers through expansion into new export destinations.

Significant progress had been made regarding potato exports to Kazakhstan, she said. Provincial Agriculture Minister SyedAshiq Hussain Kirmani will hold meetings in Islamabad next week in this regard.