Jam Kamal Khan Chairs High-Level Meeting on Potato Surplus and Export Enhancement
Islamabad: : Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation arising from surplus potato production in the country and to devise a coordinated strategy for enhancing exports while protecting the interests of farmers.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Federal Government and the Government of Punjab. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister, and Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul also participated in the discussions. Participants examined updated production estimates, domestic market conditions, export performance, and logistical challenges. It was noted that an expansion in cultivation area along with carryover stocks from the previous season has led to surplus availability, placing pressure on farm-gate prices amid challenging global market conditions.
During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that the primary impact of the surplus is being felt by farmers due to depressed prices, and therefore any support mechanism should prioritize direct assistance to farmers rather than artificial price interventions that may distort the market. He observed that sustainable solutions must be market-aligned and fiscally responsible.
The discussion also focused on improving export competitiveness, particularly in Central Asian and other emerging markets. It was agreed that a targeted and time-bound freight facilitation mechanism could be evaluated, subject to fiscal feasibility and clearly defined benchmarks, to help exporters manage rising logistics costs without creating long-term distortions.
The Minister further directed that business-to-business engagements with key destinations, including Central Asia, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific markets, be intensified to expand buyer linkages and diversify export destinations. He stressed the importance of coordinated and data-driven decision-making between the Federal Government and the Government of Punjab, instructing relevant departments to compile updated production, export, and logistics data to develop a comprehensive proposal for consideration.
Jam Kamal Khan reiterated the governmentβs commitment to supporting both farmers and exporters through practical and balanced policy measures, ensuring stability in the agricultural sector while maintaining competitiveness in international markets.
