Pakistan’s potato production has surged to over eight million tonnes, propelling the nation into the ranks of the top 10 producers globally. This marked increase represents a noteworthy milestone, with the country now standing as the ninth-largest producer of potatoes worldwide. Over the past three years, Pakistan has witnessed a remarkable growth in production, soaring from 5.87 million tonnes in 2020–21 to an anticipated 8.01 million tonnes in 2022–2023, signifying a remarkable surge of more than 35%.
As the current season draws to a close, estimates indicate that Pakistan is poised to achieve another record-breaking crop, with an anticipated yield of up to eight million tonnes of potatoes. Notably, China claimed the top position with a staggering 95.6 million tonnes of potatoes harvested in 2022, followed by India in second place with 56.1 million tonnes, and Ukraine in third with 20.9 million tonnes. Pakistan secured the ninth position with 7.79 million tonnes, firmly establishing its presence among the leading potato producers globally.
Official figures for the 2022–2023 period reveal that potatoes were cultivated across over 0.330 million hectares, resulting in a total production of 7.94 million tonnes. This output level represents a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year and an impressive 31.8% surge beyond the set target. Despite this progress, the country’s average production rate of 23 tonnes per hectare remains relatively low by global standards, highlighting potential areas for improvement.
In the realm of exports, Pakistan typically ships 516,000 tonnes of fresh or chilled potatoes, boasting an average value of $103,000 per shipment. Notably, the nation has experienced a 3% annual growth rate, reflecting a $185 unit value during the same period. Within the global market for fresh and chilled potatoes, Pakistan commands a 3% export share, with Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and Qatar emerging as the top five export destinations.
The cultivation of potatoes in Pakistan is primarily concentrated in the Punjab province, where over 95% of the crop is grown by dedicated farmers. Notably, the province witnessed a 43% increase in cotton output from 2020–21 to 2022–23, primarily attributed to a 48% expansion in the cultivated area during that period.
