Potato exports rise with record yields in Pakistan

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The potato market in Pakistan has witnessed strong growth over the past 15 months, says Shoaib Ahmad Basra, Managing Director of National Fruit Pakistan. “Potato production reached historically high levels of roughly 9 to 9.5 million tonnes in the 2024-25 season, surging by 20% over the previous period.”

According to Basra, exports have also increased alongside production, maintaining steady supplies of fresh potatoes to regional markets. “Potatoes accounted for the largest volume among exported vegetables, reaching approximately 790,000 tonnes valued at around USD 190 million, as reported by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.” Important export destinations, Basra says, are Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Russia.

© National Fruit Pakistan

The fresh and chilled potato varieties dominate exports, while frozen and processed potatoes form a small but growing segment, Basra explains. “For fresh table exports, the varieties are mixed and include red and white skin types like Mozika, Santa, and Ismi, with grading and packaging standards varying by exporter.” For industrial processing, “buyers prefer varieties like Lady Rosetta, Hermes, and Asterix, known for high dry matter and low sugar content. Lady Rosetta is widely used by processors in Pakistan, too.”

Demand can be broadly categorized into two main markets, Basra mentions: “Regional fresh markets such as Afghanistan and the Gulf countries remain our core destinations, while Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is a growing market for both fresh and frozen potatoes.” He shares that export prices fluctuate depending on competition and supply, averaging around USD 180 to 190 per tonne for fresh potatoes at present.

© National Fruit Pakistan

Basra highlights that there is still a need for improving seed quality, post-harvest handling, and grading inconsistencies. “Pakistan’s potato exporters are also challenged by rising freight costs, geopolitical disruptions, and competition from suppliers like China and Egypt. National Fruit Pakistan ensures quality by promoting certified seed programs and contract farming with processors, improving post-harvest handling through training, and investing in pack houses,” he adds.

Looking forward, Basra expects continued firm demand for the next two months. He advises exporters “to secure logistics bookings early, focus on certified seed sourcing, and improve grading to sustain or improve margins. The main export window presents opportunities in both fresh and processed segments.”

For more information:
Shoaib Ahmad Basra
National Fruit Pakistan
Tel: +92 30 08 601 455
Email: [email protected]
www.nationalfruit.com.pk

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies