Pakistan Potato Oversupply Hits 80%
Pakistan faces potato crisis now. Production jumps to 12 million tonnes in 2025-26. Over 80% crop sits unused due to border closure.
Key Numbers
Changes This Week
Prices drop 70% week-over-week in Punjab mandis from Rs 70/kg to Rs 20/kg. Afghanistan border stays closed since mid-2025. Surplus forces 80% crop to animal feed per Dawn (Feb 1, 2026). Okara sees 50% more arrivals than last week.
Supply Analysis
Cultivated area hits 953,000 acres, up 14% from 2024-25. Punjab drives 95% output with 24% area growth. High-yield Esmee variety boosts yields. Favorable weather aids bumper harvest. Cold storage holds 3.5 million tonnes in Punjab, but old stocks linger until mid-January.
Demand Signals
Domestic use stays at 6.2 million tonnes yearly. Exports drop due to border closure. Processing takes 350,000 tonnes for crisps and fries. Open market prices fall to Rs 20-25 per kg. Afghanistan demand vanishes, hits speculative buying.
Regional Snapshot
lowest impact: Sahiwal, Punjab, stable prices, low arrivals | highest impact: Okara, Punjab, 70% price drop, high surplus | stable: Kasur, Punjab, Rs 20/kg, steady demand
Policy Risks
Government notifies exports via Iran route on Dec 5, 2025. Higher freight costs hurt competitiveness. No subsidies for storage or processing yet. Risk of 30-40% post-harvest losses from weak cold chain. Farmers urge quick export aid.
FAQs
Q: What causes high potato storage costs in Pakistan?
A: Transport costs Rs 400 per 60kg sack. Cold storage fees add up. Borders closed raise risks, per Dawn (Feb 2026).
Q: How much potato acreage cuts next year?
A: Likely 20% reduction if prices stay low. Punjab leads drop, Dawn (Feb 1, 2026).
Q: What are current potato prices in Punjab?
A: Rs 20-25 per kg in open market. Farmgate Rs 10-15/kg, Dawn (Dec 2025).
Q: What government actions help potato exports?
A: Iran route notified Dec 5, 2025. Seek subsidies via NA Committee, Dawn (Feb 2026).
Q: How to reduce potato post-harvest losses?
A: Use Punjab cold storage fast. Sell surplus as feed. Losses hit 30-40%, Potatoes.news (2024-26).