LAHORE: The Punjab government has approached the federal government to seek a reduction in freight charges for the export of potatoes and kinnow, particularly through Iran, as part of efforts to remove hurdles faced by growers and exporters.
The request was discussed at a special meeting of the Agriculture Commission chaired by Minister for Agriculture Punjab Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani on Monday.The meeting, held on the directions of the Chief Minister Punjab, was attended by members of the Provincial Assembly, representatives of farmers’ organisations, exporters, potato and kinnow growers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, Kirmani said the Punjab government was fully cognizant of the challenges faced by potato and kinnow growers and was taking serious and practical steps to resolve these issues. He said measures were being taken at various levels to remove obstacles in the export of both commodities.
The minister informed the meeting that the federal government had been approached to reduce freight charges for potato and kinnow exports via Iran in order to facilitate farmers and exporters. He noted that Punjab produces around 95 percent of the country’s total potato and kinnow output, making the promotion of their exports critical not only for the provincial economy but also for national economic growth.
Kirmani reaffirmed that the government would not allow the hard work of potato and kinnow growers to go to waste and said Punjab was in constant coordination with the federal government to address export-related difficulties.
He added that practical suggestions put forward by stakeholders during the meeting had been noted and it was decided that these recommendations would be formally shared with the federal government to streamline and strengthen the export process.
The provincial minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to utilize all available resources to enhance farmers’ incomes and boost foreign exchange earnings through increased exports of potatoes and kinnow.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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