ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain announced that Pakistan has established an alternate export route through Central Asia for potatoes, mitigating issues caused by instability in Afghanistan. The government has signed a deal to export 50,000 metric tons of potatoes to Uzbekistan addressing storage and border challenges.

The statement came during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security chaired by Said Hasnain Tariq with Punjab Agriculture Secretary Iftikhar Sehu participating via Zoom. Punjab’s potato cultivation has expanded from 9 lakh acres last year to 11 lakh acres this year creating a surplus that requires coordinated federal and provincial efforts for storage and export.

Rana Tanveer emphasized that past export volumes would be maintained and advised the Agriculture Department to issue cultivation guidelines. He noted that while China remains a viable export route, visa restrictions complicate shipments and talks with Russia have not advanced.

The minister also highlighted the country’s potential in olive production, citing regions such as Balochistan, Pothohar, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan is currently an observer in the International Olive Council and olive exports have already reached half a million units signaling strong growth potential for the sector.