4.1 POTATOES TDAP Multan
4.1 POTATOES TDAP Multan
4.1 POTATOES TDAP Multan
Introduction
Globally potato is fourth largest food crop after rice, wheat and maize. It is traded under
HS Code # 0701. The major countries are Afghanistan, Russian Federation, U.A.E, Malaysia, Sri
Lanka, Indonesia and Singapore. The geographical distribution of Potato cultivation has been
widely spread from plains of Punjab to slopes of Karakorum. It has also being grown in the
coastal belt of Sindh province. Similarly the seasonal spread of potato crop is broadly
distributed too. Thus all the year fresh potato supply comprehensively meets the nation’s
demands. However during few off season months, potatoes from cold storages replenish the
exhausting fresh supplies. Therefore, Potato is one of the main cash crops for the farmers as well
as among the main exportable horticulture commodities from the country.
About 5000 varieties of potato exist worldwide. In Pakistan both white and red skin
varieties are cultivated but red skinned are mostly liked by consumers.
US Dollar Thousand
Iran, Islamic
8 Republic of 160609 222364 109628 144335 202954
9 Belgium 197634 160858 210198 209898 199266
10 Spain 85753 103062 136229 105543 152414
The above tables show that the latest export figures & export trends of Potatoes and its
products, which has been fluctuating during the previous years. However, the major share of
Potatoes exports is 0.5% in total exports of Pakistan. Also, with an export figure of US $121
million in 2018, Pakistan is also the 12th largest exporter of Potatoes in the world.
Pakistan Government may encourage private sector to invest in the value addition industries
to meet the local as well international demands.
Training for farmers to produce quality products.
TDAP may organize seminars/workshops for awareness of fruits and vegetables growers and
exporters.
Participation in the international fair of fruits and vegetables in the potential markets.
Installation of processing units for fruits and vegetables in producing regions.
Changing industry from production based to quality and export based.
Intelligent Marketing: Improving quality for compliance, exploring new markets and
developing Market Intelligence System. Today, EureGAP certification is required for fruit
and vegetables export by a considerable number of retailers, especially super markets. It also
offers a great chance for farmer groups to introduce sustainable agricultural practices based
on integrated crop and pest management principles.