Punjab potato and kinno exports have received a critical boost after the federal government allowed farmers to export their produce through alternative routes, a move attributed to the intervention of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The decision comes as a major relief for growers grappling with surplus production, falling prices, and prolonged trade disruptions.
The Punjab government confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that the approval was granted following the chief minister’s special efforts to address farmers’ concerns and stabilise the agricultural economy.
Punjab Potato and Kinno Exports: Relief After Months of Market Stress
Punjab’s potato and kinno farmers had been calling for urgent government support after a production surplus coincided with weak domestic demand and shrinking export opportunities. The situation worsened due to months-long disruptions in cross-border trade through Afghanistan, traditionally one of the key export routes for Pakistani agricultural produce.
As a result, farmgate prices of potatoes plunged below production costs in several major growing districts, including Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, and adjoining areas. In extreme cases, farmers reported ploughing standing crops back into the soil to avoid further financial losses.
By allowing Punjab potato and kinno exports through alternative routes, the federal government has provided a pathway for growers to access international markets and recover value from their produce.
CM Maryam Nawaz’s Role in Reviving Punjab Potato and Kinno Exports
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz underscored her commitment to protecting farmers’ livelihoods, stating that the hard work of potato and kinno growers would not be allowed to go to waste.
She revealed that she remains in continuous contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure coordinated efforts between the federal and provincial governments. The Punjab government formally approached the Centre to establish a high-level committee dedicated to facilitating exports and resolving bottlenecks.
High-Level Committee to Support Punjab Potato and Kinno Exports
To institutionalise export facilitation, a high-level committee has been formed with the following structure explained below:
The committee is headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and includes representatives from relevant federal ministries, export authorities, and key agricultural stakeholders. Its primary role is to streamline export procedures, reduce logistical hurdles, and ensure faster decision-making for perishable goods such as potatoes and kinnow.
This coordinated approach aims to make Punjab potato and kinno exports more competitive while safeguarding farmers’ incomes.
Exploring New Markets and Reducing Export Costs
The Punjab government has also urged the federal authorities to explore new international markets for kinnow and potatoes and reduce export-related costs. High freight charges, compliance costs, and route restrictions have historically limited Pakistan’s agricultural export potential.
According to CM Maryam Nawaz, practical measures are being taken daily to resolve export-related challenges, maximise foreign exchange earnings, and ensure smoother trade flows for agricultural produce.
Punjab’s Dominance in Potato and Kinno Production
Punjab plays a dominant role in Pakistan’s agricultural output, particularly in potatoes and kinnow. Explained in production terms:
Punjab accounts for approximately 95% of the country’s total potato and kinnow production, making export access vital for price stability and farmer sustainability.
For the current season:
• Potato production in Punjab is expected to reach around 12 million tonnes
• Kinno production is projected at approximately 4 million tonnes
Without strong export channels, such volumes can overwhelm domestic markets and depress prices, underscoring the importance of sustained policy support for Punjab potato and kinno exports.
Economic Impact of Strengthening Punjab Potato and Kinno Exports
The approval of alternative export routes is expected to:
• Stabilise farmgate prices
• Prevent crop wastage
• Improve farmer incomes
• Boost Pakistan’s agricultural exports
• Increase foreign exchange earnings
For a province that forms the backbone of Pakistan’s food supply, export facilitation is not just a farmer issue but a broader economic priority.
The federal government’s decision to allow Punjab potato and kinno exports through alternative routes marks a timely intervention in support of farmers facing severe market pressures. Backed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s engagement with the Centre, the move reflects a growing focus on export-led agricultural growth, market diversification, and farmer protection.
If implemented effectively, these measures could set a precedent for resolving future agricultural export crises and strengthening Pakistan’s position in global produce markets.