Pakistan has successfully entered the top 10 global potato producers, witnessing a remarkable increase in production to surpass eight million tonnes. This surge is attributed to expanded cultivation areas and improved farming practices.
Ranking ninth globally, Pakistan has experienced a remarkable 35% growth in potato production over the past three years, reaching an estimated 8.01 million tonnes in 2022-23. The nation’s potato output places it among leading producers worldwide, with China, India, Ukraine, Russia, and the USA topping the list.
Official data for 2022-23 reveals that potatoes covered approximately 0.330 million hectares, producing 7.94 million tonnes. The crop’s economic significance has risen in Pakistan over the past decade, becoming a high-yielding cash food crop after wheat, rice, and maize.
The Punjab province contributes over 95% of the total potato production, with progressive farmers demonstrating the potential for increased yields. Maqsood Ahmad Jutt, President of the Potato Growers Association, hails this achievement as a milestone in the agriculture sector.
While Pakistan has shown substantial export quantity growth from 2015 to 2019, the country also faced a decrease in export value during the same period. Despite these challenges, Pakistan maintains a 3% share in the global fresh and chilled potato sector.
Major export destinations include Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the Russian Federation, and Qatar. The success of the potato sub-sector signifies positive outcomes for both producers and consumers, contributing to Pakistan’s agricultural prosperity.
