Pakistan to import potato from India to reduce shortages due to floods

In the wake of anticipated fear of acute shortage of potato crop in Pakistan as a consequence of devastation of its large quantity in potato growing areas of Kyber-Pakhtoonkhwa (KP) province, first consignment of Indian potato, comprising 20 to 25 trucks, arrived on Monday at Wahga border in Lahore to cater to domestic needs.

KP is traditionally considered as a major source of red potato during July and August but this year record-breaking floods have ruined the entire crop, giving rise to apprehension of shortage of potato in coming days.

Potato prices have already started surging in the wholesale and retail markets of Karachi, like elsewhere across the country, as claimed by major traders of potato.

Wholesale rates of potato have surged to level of Rs 22 to Rs 25 per kilogramme while retail price stands at Rs 28 to Rs 30 per kilogramme. In order to curb the rising price trend of potato, Indian potato has started reaching the country and today’s consignment was first of the series of such import as other large imported quantities are on its way and likely to reach Pakistan during the current week.

The import is likely to help stabilize potato prices in the country’s markets, thus easing out financial pressure on consumers already groaning under the impact of rampant inflation of essential commodities.