Pakistan could export potatoes to Russia as demand increases

Pakistan may export 120,000 to 125,000 metric tons of potato to Russia as the demand for potato in Russia is increasing, said Harvest Tradings CEO Ahmad Jawad.

In a press statement on Saturday, Jawad further said that to fulfill Russia's terms of importing potatoes from Pakistan, a first-ever automated state-of-the-art potato cleaning plant was established in Karachi. The locally assembled plant was set up at a cost of about Rs5 million, reported The Express Tribune.

It would be utilised for value addition in potato and making them acceptable in the international market, Jawad said. It would not only do sand washing but would also help in grading process, he added.

Jawad also said that Pakistan can earn millions of dollars from potato exports to Russia if proper infrastructure is developed. Presently, the international market price ranges $500 per metric ton.

Pakistan traditionally exports potatoes to Dubai, Malaysia, Singapore and Iran.