Depressed prices hurt potato farmers

ISLAMABAD:

Potato farmers are feeling the primary impact of surplus produce due to depressed prices and any support mechanism should prioritise direct assistance to growers rather than artificial price interventions that may distort the market, said Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

He observed that sustainable solutions must be market-aligned and fiscally responsible. The minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation arising from surplus potato production in the country and to devise a coordinated strategy for enhancing exports while protecting the interests of farmers. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the federal government and the government of Punjab.

Participants examined updated production estimates, domestic market conditions, export performance and logistical challenges. It was noted that an expansion in cultivation area along with carryover stocks from the previous season led to surplus availability, placing pressure on farm-gate prices amid challenging global market conditions.

The discussion also focused on improving export competitiveness, particularly in Central Asian and other emerging markets. It was agreed that a targeted and time-bound freight facilitation mechanism could be evaluated, subject to fiscal feasibility and clearly defined benchmarks, to help exporters manage rising logistics costs without creating long-term distortions.