Pakistan is seeking to revive its potato exports to Russia following a ban imposed last year, with officials and exporters emphasizing the need for market diversification amid a bumper domestic harvest.
The Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), hosted an interactive Zoom session titled “Russia Market Re-Opening for Pakistani Potatoes: Current Issues and Way Forward.” The meeting coincided with the start of Punjab’s potato season, which is expected to yield around 12 million tonnes of export-quality produce.
The session brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including Shabana Mumtaz, Minister (Trade & Investment) in Moscow, officials from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), the Pest Warning Wing of the Punjab government, the Pakistan Fruits & Vegetables Association, and leading exporters. Participants underscored the urgency of expanding export destinations, given restrictions in traditional markets.
