ISLAMABAD, Jan 12 (ABC): Pakistan can significantly expand its potato export earnings and potentially double them by 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 Export and Development Company (PHDEC) and former president of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce, said the potato sector is entering a phase of strong opportunity. He linked this potential to rising global demand and improving domestic capacity.
“Potato is already Pakistan’s largest vegetable export in terms of volume and value,” Basra said. “If we complement table potatoes with industrial varieties, we can access high-value markets for chips, frozen fries and processed products.”
Rising production strengthens export potential
Basra said exports usually increase from December onward as fresh produce and cold-stored stocks enter the market. In recent years, higher production has improved availability and strengthened Pakistan’s ability to meet both fresh and processed demand.
“Our production growth gives us a clear advantage,” he said. “With the right processing strategy, we can convert surplus output into higher returns instead of selling it in low-value markets.”
Global supply gaps create new opportunities
Basra said changing global conditions have improved Pakistan’s export prospects. Climate-related disruptions in major potato-producing regions, including parts of Russia and Central Asia, have reduced supply and pushed prices higher.
“These conditions have improved farm incomes,” he said. “Strong prices are encouraging farmers to expand potato cultivation, while exporters are earning better margins.”
Seed quality improves competitiveness
Pakistan has also improved its competitiveness through high-quality seed varieties, mainly sourced from the Netherlands. Basra said these varieties meet international standards and enjoy strong acceptance in global markets.
“Demand for these potatoes remains strong,” he added.
Value addition remains key growth driver
Despite recent gains, Basra said the next phase of growth depends on value addition. He noted that only a small share of the potato crop currently goes into processing, while value-added exports remain limited.
“This is a major opportunity,” he said. “We can significantly increase earnings by expanding processing.”
He explained that industrial potato varieties suit processing needs. These varieties have low sugar content and proper texture, which ensures consistent quality for fries and chips.
“Once farmers grow these varieties at scale, processing investment will increase naturally,” he said.
Processing can stabilise prices
Basra said diversification into processing can also stabilise prices and reduce market volatility.
“A balanced mix of fresh and processed exports supports sustainable growth,” he said. “It also protects farmers from sharp price fluctuations.”
New markets offer untapped potential
Pakistan currently exports potatoes mainly to the Middle East and nearby regions. However, Basra said higher-value markets such as Europe, North America, East Asia and Australia offer strong potential, especially for processed products.
Coordinated strategy needed for growth
Looking ahead, Basra called for coordinated efforts among stakeholders. He stressed the need to promote good agricultural practices, improve seed quality oversight and encourage investment in industrial potato production.
“If we adopt modern practices and the right varieties, we can double our potato exports,” he said. “With industrial potatoes and value addition, the potential is even higher.”
Strong pathway for sector transformation
Summing up, Basra said Pakistan has a clear pathway to transform its potato sector.
“By adopting industrial varieties and expanding processing, we can achieve higher earnings, stable growth and a sustainable future for farmers and exporters,” he said.
