Potato production in Pakistan is witnessing a remarkable rise. In the 2022–2023 season, the country produced 8.32 million metric tons, which increased to 9.9 million metric tons in 2024–2025. This year, favorable weather conditions are expected to boost production by 25%, resulting in a bumper crop of around 12 million metric tons—a historic record for the nation.
Punjab remains the powerhouse of Pakistan’s potato sector, contributing over 97% of total production. The province cultivates potatoes on 921,609 acres with an average yield of 266 maund per acre. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) accounts for about 2% of total production, while other provinces contribute minimally.
Despite rising production, local demand stands at approximately 4.5 million metric tons, leaving nearly half of the crop unutilized. To manage the surplus effectively and support farmers, the Punjab government has been actively coordinating with the federal government to facilitate potato exports.
The Punjab government will meet a high-level delegation from Kazakhstan, marking the first step toward accessing global potato markets. This initiative aims to expand Pakistan’s agricultural exports beyond domestic consumption. The government plans to explore additional international markets in the near future to ensure sustained demand for surplus potatoes. So, no potato crop will sell at throwaway prices, and middlemen cannot exploit farmers. Officials stressed that the bumper harvest should bring prosperity, not worry, for local growers, and pledged to take all necessary steps to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
