Pakistan scrambles to halt falling potato prices amid Afghan trade closure

Pakistan has announced emergency measures to stabilize falling potato prices after exports were disrupted by the closure of the border with Afghanistan, officials said on Wednesday.

Pakistan has announced emergency measures to stabilize falling potato prices after exports were disrupted by the closure of the border with Afghanistan, officials said on Wednesday.

Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said the suspension of cross-border trade with Afghanistan has led to an oversupply of potatoes in the domestic market, causing prices to decline and affecting farmers’ incomes.

He said the ministry is taking practical steps to identify alternative export destinations and is holding close consultations with the ministries of foreign affairs and commerce to promote potato exports.

To facilitate exporters, Hussain said the government has reduced the fee for issuing phytosanitary certificates — required for agricultural exports — to PKR 2,500.

He added that the government is committed to providing maximum support to farmers and exporters to ease the impact of the market disruption.

The Ministry of Commerce has been directed to identify foreign importers, Hussain said, adding that 36 countries have already been identified as potential export markets for Pakistani potatoes.

He said boosting agricultural exports could significantly increase farmers’ incomes and help stabilize the rural economy. He emphasized that the government is pursuing a sustainable policy aimed at protecting and strengthening the agricultural sector.

The ministry has adopted a comprehensive strategy focused on market diversification to help the country overcome agricultural crises and remain in continuous coordination with all relevant stakeholders.