ISLAMABAD: Country is expected to a bumper potato production this season fetching a record foreign exchange, said a senior official of Ministry of National Food Secretary and Research (NFSR).
Secretary National Food Security and Research (NFSR) Seerat Asghar in a briefing at Ministry said the potato harvest is under way in Punjab which grows over 90 percent of the crop in the country and initial estimates put the potato yield at 3.71 million tons.
The provincial production breakup is expected as 3550 thousand tons (Punjab), 4.5 thousand tons (Sindh), 126.9 thousand tons (KPK) and 35 thousand tons (Baluchistan), said a statement issued here.
The Secretary further added that the bumper crop would not only keep the local prices of potato stable but it is a huge opportunity to earn foreign exchange as well.
The Secretary reiterated that record increase in export to Russia, Srilanka and Turkey is expected this year.
Due to influx of migrants, the demand for potato is on the rise in Europe and this may offer a good opportunity to Pakistan.
He said that in current unfavorable conditions, this record production may prove a sigh of relief for farmers as they may get good returns for their produce.
It is high time to explore new markets for the export of surplus agri-produce.
The secretary brushed aside the rumors and reiterated that there is no restriction on potato export nor any duty has been imposed.
The ministry is taking adequate measures to ensure local market balance as well as facilitating export.
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