Pakistan’s potato cultivation area expands 160% over a decade

ISLAMABAD, Apr 02(ABC): The land dedicated to potato cultivation has expanded over the last 10 years, from about 177,700 hectares in 2015-16 to around 462,160 hectares in 2025-26, an increase of approximately 160 percent.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, cultivation of potato, one of the country’s most important food crops after wheat, rice, and maize, has seen rapid expansion over the past decade, driven by rising demand, improved farming practices, and the adoption of high-yielding varieties.
Meanwhile, potato production has sharply jumped from 3.8 million tons to nearly 12.0 million tons, marking a growth of roughly 216 percent.
In the current season, the crop has been planted on nearly 0.462 million hectares, up from 0.386 million hectares last year, indicating a 23 percent expansion in area.
Consequently, production during 2025-26 is expected to exceed 12 million tons.
This year’s projected 12 million metric tons of potato output, compared to an average of 8-10 million metric tons in previous years, will result in a surplus of nearly four million metric tons.
The strong growth in production reflects the sector’s rising potential. While the supply glut and limited export channels have put pressure on farm incomes and contributed to a temporary price imbalance, the situation has also prompted swift policy attention.
In response, the government has initiated coordinated measures to stabilise the market and support growers. A high-level committee constituted by the prime minister has held several meetings to address export bottlenecks and improve market access.
Key steps under consideration include facilitating visas for drivers along major trade routes and resolving logistical hurdles that restrict access to international markets.
Authorities are also working to manage surplus stocks through subsidised storage solutions, while exporters and stakeholders are developing proposals to reduce freight costs and enhance competitiveness.
Encouragingly, Pakistan is actively exploring new export destinations, particularly in the Central Asian Republics, with diplomatic efforts underway to promote potato exports and tap into emerging markets.