Pakistan has emerged as a prominent player in the global potato market, showcasing a remarkable increase in production output. With an annual yield surpassing eight million tonnes, Pakistan has witnessed a substantial rise in potato cultivation, attributed to expanded farming acreage and improved agricultural techniques. Over the past three years alone, the country has experienced a remarkable growth rate of over 35% in potato production.

While China maintains its position as the world’s leading potato producer, followed closely by India, Ukraine, Russia, and the USA, Pakistan has secured the ninth spot on the global production scale. Notably, Punjab province stands as the primary contributor to Pakistan’s potato production, accounting for approximately 80% of the total output. The province has witnessed a notable surge in potato farming activities, reflecting the industry’s robust expansion.

Maqsood Ahmad Jutt, President of the Potato Growers Association, lauded this surge in production as a significant milestone for Pakistan’s agricultural sector. He emphasized the country’s successful endeavors in potato exports, with Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the Russian Federation, and Qatar emerging as key export destinations.

Despite the uptrend in export volume between 2015 and 2019, the export value of potatoes experienced a decline during the same period. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s potato exports have demonstrated a consistent 3% annual growth rate, underscoring the nation’s enduring presence and competitiveness in the global potato market.