ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Pakistan can significantly expand its potato export earnings\u2014potentially doubling them\u2014by shifting toward industrial potato varieties and strengthening value-added processing, a leading horticulture expert said.<\/p>\n
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Shoaib Ahmad Basra, member of the Board of Directors of the Pakistan Horticulture Export and Development Company (PHDEC) and former president of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce, said the country\u2019s potato sector is entering a phase of strong opportunity, driven by rising global demand and improving domestic capacity.<\/p>\n
\u201cPotato is already Pakistan\u2019s largest vegetable export in terms of volume and value,\u201d Basra said. \u201cBy complementing our success in table potatoes with industrial varieties, we can unlock access to high-value markets for chips, frozen fries and other processed products.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that exports typically gather pace from December onward as fresh produce and cold-stored stocks reach the market. In recent years, higher production levels have created ample availability, positioning Pakistan well to meet both fresh and processed demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur production growth is a strength,\u201d he said. \u201cWith the right processing strategy, surplus output can be converted into higher returns instead of being sold into low-value markets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Basra said changing global conditions have further strengthened Pakistan\u2019s prospects. Climate-related disruptions in major potato-producing regions, including parts of Russia and Central Asia, have tightened international supply and pushed prices higher, creating space for new exporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has translated into improved farm incomes,\u201d he said. \u201cStrong prices have encouraged farmers to expand potato cultivation, while exporters are seeing better margins.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pakistan\u2019s competitiveness has also improved through the use of high-quality seed varieties, largely sourced from the Netherlands. \u201cThese varieties match international standards and are widely accepted in global markets,\u201d Basra said, adding that demand for such potatoes remains robust.<\/p>\n
While welcoming these gains, he said the next phase of growth lies in value addition. \u201cCurrently, only a small share of our potato crop is processed, and value-added exports remain modest compared to our production potential,\u201d he said. \u201cThis represents a major opportunity rather than a limitation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Basra explained that industrial potato varieties are specifically designed for processing, with characteristics such as low sugar content and suitable texture that ensure consistent quality for fries and chips. \u201cOnce these varieties are grown at scale, investment in processing will naturally accelerate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He stressed that diversification into processing would help stabilise prices and reduce market volatility. \u201cA balanced mix of fresh and processed exports allows the sector to grow sustainably and shields farmers from sharp price swings,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Pakistan\u2019s current export destinations are concentrated in the Middle East and nearby regions, but Basra said higher-value markets\u2014including Europe, North America, East Asia and Australia\u2014offer substantial untapped potential, particularly for processed products.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Basra called for coordinated action by all stakeholders to promote good agricultural practices, strengthen seed quality oversight and encourage investment in industrial potato production. \u201cIf we adopt modern practices and the right varieties, we can easily double exports of our existing potatoes,\u201d he said. \u201cWith industrial potatoes and value addition, the upside is even greater.\u201d<\/p>\n
Summing up, he said Pakistan has a clear and positive pathway to transform its potato sector. \u201cBy embracing industrial varieties and processing, we can secure higher earnings, stable growth and a sustainable future for farmers and exporters alike.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (APP): Pakistan can significantly expand its potato export earnings\u2014potentially doubling them\u2014by shifting toward industrial potato varieties and strengthening value-added processing, a leading horticulture expert said. Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Shoaib Ahmad Basra, member of the Board of Directors of the Pakistan Horticulture […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[458],"tags":[515],"class_list":["post-4732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pakistan","tag-shift-to-industrial-potato-varieties-can-double-pakistans-export-earnings"],"yoast_head":"\n