Pakistan’s NA Committee Urges PM to Tackle Potato Price Crisis, highlighting growing concerns over low potato market prices and farmer losses. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene urgently. The committee emphasized the need for government intervention in agriculture to stabilize market prices and protect potato growers’ income.
At a meeting chaired by Syed Tariq Hussain in Islamabad, members discussed rising production costs, export bottlenecks, and storage challenges affecting potato crop production. Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan briefed the committee on transportation constraints, limited storage capacity, and delays in phytosanitary certification, all of which worsen the potato price crisis. The Department of Plant Protection also confirmed that favorable weather increased overall production, but local prices remain low.
The committee urged the Ministry of Commerce, Pakistan, and the Punjab Agriculture Department to consider direct purchases from farmers at fair rates. They also recommended proactive crop cycle planning and subsidy support to safeguard farm incomes. A joint meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Logistics Cell, and potato growers’ associations was directed to address export-related challenges and ensure timely market interventions.
Experts noted that low potato prices not only affect farm income but also pose risks to national food security. Implementing crop price stabilization measures and improving storage and logistics could help prevent future crises. The committee also linked lessons from sugarcane sector deregulation to support long-term agricultural policy measures that protect growers’ interests.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s NA Committee urges the PM to Tackle Potato Price Crisis through immediate action, subsidies, and strategic planning. Timely intervention can stabilize the market, secure farmer income, and ensure national food security.
