LAHORE: Pakistan contributes approximately 8.0 million metric tons of the world's 371 million metric tons of potato production and stands as the 19th largest exporter globally. The country's top five export destinations include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the Russian Federation, and Qatar.
This was disclosed at one-day seminar arranged by the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC) in collaboration with the Potato Growers Co-operative Society Okara.
The event, held in Okara, was a dedicated exploration of the value chain and export potential of potatoes in traditional markets.
The Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) from key traditional markets, including Afghanistan, Malaysia, Qatar, and Sri Lanka, virtually joined the seminar, offering profound insights into import dynamics within their respective nations.
In his opening remarks, Chief Executive Officer PHDEC Athar Hussain Khokhar underscored PHDEC's commitment to product and market development, expressing unwavering support for potato growers. Khokhar urged the development of industrial potato varieties, inviting growers to submit value-added product proposals eligible for funding from the Export Development Fund (EDF).
Dr Kausar Ali Zaidi, Minister for Trade and Investment, highlighted Pakistan's tremendous export potential, particularly in the lucrative market of Afghanistan. He emphasized the popularity of value-added potato products, including potato chips, in Afghanistan.
Asmma Kamal, Trade and Investment Attaché, High Commission of Pakistan, Colombo, Sri Lanka, shed light on Pakistan's status as Sri Lanka's largest potato import destination. She revealed that imported potatoes from Pakistan were more cost-effective than locally cultivated ones, contributing to Sri Lanka's import total of over $92 million from Pakistan in 2022.
Aisha Iftikhar, Trade and Investment Officer in Malaysia, emphasized the robust trade ties between Pakistan and Malaysia, highlighting the 22.78% increase in fresh and chilled potato imports to Malaysia, totaling around $100 million in 2022.
Dr Syed Ijaz Ul Hassan, Principal Scientist at the Potato Research Institute Sahiwal, stressed the imperative need for research and development to enhance productivity and develop disease-resistant varieties. He highlighted the significance of seminars in disseminating production technology and building capacity among stakeholders.
Dr. Mubarak Ahmed, Consultant from the Agro Division of TDAP, applauded the Potato Grower Cooperative Society Okara for their tireless efforts and emphasized the pivotal role of exports in the prosperity of potato growers. He stressed the need for private sector investment in varietal development and infrastructure.
Representing potato growers, Ch Maqsood Jatt called for collaborative efforts between government departments like PHDEC and the industry, advocating for support in production, value addition, and exports to both traditional and emerging markets.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023