The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research has sought the intervention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the ongoing potato crop crisis and stabilize sharply falling market prices.
The decision was taken during a committee meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday, chaired by Syed Tariq Hussain.
Members unanimously agreed to write to the prime minister and request a meeting next week to brief him on the severity of the situation and propose immediate corrective measures.
Key Issues Discussed by the Committee
The committee reviewed multiple challenges affecting potato growers, including:
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Low potato prices in local markets
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Rising production costs
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Export bottlenecks
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Lack of subsidy support
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Policy gaps affecting farmer protection and market stability
Members stressed the need for urgent government action to safeguard farmers’ economic interests and prevent further losses.
Call for Government Purchase at Fair Prices
Several committee members urged the government to directly purchase potatoes from farmers at fair prices, saying the move would help stabilize the market, prevent distress sales, and protect farm incomes during the current glut.
An official from the Department of Plant Protection informed the committee that overall potato exports have increased compared to last year, adding that higher production this season was largely due to favorable weather conditions.
The Ministry of Commerce told the committee that export-related issues raised by the Punjab government had already been taken up with relevant authorities.
Joint Meeting Ordered, Report Due by February 2
Given the urgency of the matter, the committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to convene a joint meeting involving:
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Ministry of Commerce
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Punjab Agriculture Department
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National Logistics Cell (NLC)
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Potato growers’ associations
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Other relevant stakeholders
The ministry was instructed to submit a comprehensive report to the committee by February 2.
Export and Logistics Challenges Highlighted
Special invitee Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan briefed the committee on the cost of potato production and prevailing market prices, outlining reasons behind the recent price decline.
He highlighted key export-related challenges, including:
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Transportation constraints
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Limited cold storage capacity
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Visa-related issues
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Delays in phytosanitary certification
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Logistical and supply chain hurdles
Sugarcane Sector Also Under Review
The committee also discussed future policy on deregulation of the sugarcane sector, emphasizing the need to protect sugarcane growers, ensure timely procurement and crushing, and guarantee prompt payments to farmers.
The Ministry of Industries and Production briefed members on steps taken so far, including inter-ministerial meetings, coordination with provincial governments, enforcement actions against sugar mills, and measures aimed at protecting growers’ interests.
Focus on Long-Term Crop Planning
The committee recommended that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research adopt a proactive and forward-looking approach, focusing not only on resolving current crop crises but also on planning future crop cycles to ensure price stability, farmer protection, and national food security.
