The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s intervention to address the ongoing potato crop crisis and stabilize falling market prices. During a meeting held in Islamabad, chaired by Syed Tariq Hussain, the committee decided to write to the prime minister and seek a briefing next week on the severity of the situation, along with proposed measures for timely government action.
Committee members discussed the sharp decline in potato prices in local markets, rising production costs, export bottlenecks, subsidy support, and policy steps required to protect farmers, stabilize prices, and safeguard the economic interests of potato growers. Several members urged the government to directly purchase potatoes from farmers at fair rates to prevent further losses and secure farm incomes.
Officials from the Department of Plant Protection informed the committee that overall potato exports had increased compared to last year, with higher production attributed to favorable weather conditions. The Ministry of Commerce noted that export-related concerns raised by the Punjab government had been addressed with relevant authorities.
Given the urgency, the committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to hold a joint meeting with the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Punjab Agriculture Department, National Logistics Cell, potato growers’ associations, and other stakeholders. A report on proposed interventions is to be submitted to the committee by February 2.
Special invitee Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan briefed members on the cost of potato production and current market prices, highlighting export challenges such as transportation limitations, storage constraints, visa issues, delays in phytosanitary certification, and logistical hurdles.
The committee also reviewed the sugarcane sector, emphasizing the need to protect growers, ensure timely procurement and crushing, and guarantee prompt payments. The Ministry of Industries and Production updated members on enforcement actions against sugar mills, coordination with provincial governments, and measures to safeguard growers’ interests.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research adopt a proactive approach, focusing not only on resolving immediate crop issues but also on planning for future crop cycles to ensure price stability, farmer protection, and national food security.
