Pakistan has emerged as a major player on the global potato scene, securing the 9th position among the world’s top potato producers. This impressive feat comes courtesy of a surge in production that has surpassed 8 million tons, according to industry sources.
In a remarkable agricultural feat, Pakistan has ascended to the 9th position among the world’s leading potato producers, boasting an impressive yield of over 8 million tons. This surge in production can be attributed to the expansion of cultivation areas and the adoption of advanced farming techniques.
In just three years, Pakistan has witnessed a remarkable 35 percent increase in potato production. The country achieved the milestone with projections hinting at yet another bumper crop surpassing the 8 million ton mark.
“This is a significant achievement for Pakistan’s agricultural sector,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. “We have been working diligently to introduce improved seed varieties, promote better storage facilities, and educate farmers on advanced cultivation practices. These efforts are now bearing fruit.”
Recent data showcases China reigning supreme at the top with a whopping 95.6 million tons. Then queue was trailed by India, Ukraine, Russia, and the USA. However, Pakistan’s ascent to 9th place comes ahead of traditional heavyweights like France and the Netherlands.
Potatoes have emerged as a significant cash crop in Pakistan, trailing only behind wheat, rice, and maize. The cultivation area has experienced rapid expansion over the past decade. It also signals the growing importance of potatoes in the country’s agricultural landscape.
Despite these strides, Pakistan’s average potato yield per hectare lags behind global standards. Punjab, the most populous province in Pakistan, takes center stage as the primary contributor to the national potato harvest. The province boasts over 95% of the country’s total potato production. This dominance is largely due to the increased area dedicated to potato cultivation within Punjab’s fertile lands. Other regions with potato production include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Balochistan, and Sindh.
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While Pakistan has witnessed a notable surge in potato export quantity, there has been a dip in export value. Nevertheless, the country maintains a steady annual growth rate of 3 percent in exports, with key destinations including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Russia, and Qatar.