Pakistan’s agriculture sector has reached a new milestone as national potato production surpassed expectations by an impressive 44.7 percent for the 2024–25 season. According to official data, the country harvested 9.9 million tons of potatoes compared to the Federal Committee on Agriculture’s target of 6.8 million tons.
Punjab emerged as the key contributor, producing 9.81 million tons 45 percent above its target supported by an increase in cultivated area and improved yield per hectare. The province expanded its potato fields by nearly 15 percent to 373,000 hectares, while yield levels rose from 25,341 to 26,308 kilograms per hectare.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also recorded substantial growth. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s production climbed 31 percent, while Balochistan exceeded its goal by 27 percent, reaching 36,800 tons. Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, though slightly below target, benefited from favorable weather and better crop management practices.
Agriculture experts note that potatoes have now become Pakistan’s fourth-largest crop after wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Over the past decade, the crop has gained importance as both a domestic staple and an export commodity.
For the upcoming 2025–26 season, Pakistan aims to produce 8.92 million tons across 349,400 hectares, with Punjab expected to retain its dominant share. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranks Pakistan ninth among the world’s top ten potato producers, reflecting its expanding role in global food markets.
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