NA Committee Seeks PM Intervention Over Potato Price Crisis

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 falling market prices.

At a meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday, the committee, chaired by Syed Tariq Hussain, unanimously decided to write to the prime minister and request a meeting next week to brief him on the severity of the situation and propose measures for timely government action.

The committee discussed low potato prices in local markets, rising production costs, export bottlenecks, subsidy support, and policy steps needed to protect farmers, stabilize the market, and safeguard the economic interests of potato growers.

Several members urged the government to directly purchase potatoes from farmers at fair prices to prevent further losses, stabilize prices, and protect farm incomes.

An official from the Department of Plant Protection told 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 informed the committee that export related issues raised by the Punjab government had been taken up with relevant authorities.

Given the urgency of the issue, the committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to convene 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. The ministry was asked to submit a report to the committee by February 2.

Special invitee Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan briefed the committee on the cost of potato production and prevailing market prices, outlining reasons for the recent price decline. He highlighted export-related challenges, including transportation constraints, limited storage capacity, visa issues, delays in phytosanitary certification, and logistical hurdles.

The committee also discussed future policy on deregulation of the sugarcane sector, stressing 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 meetings held, coordination with provincial governments, enforcement actions against sugar mills, and measures aimed at protecting growers’ interests.

The committee recommended that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research adopt a proactive approach, focusing not only on resolving current crop issues but also on planning ahead for future crop cycles to ensure price stability, farmer protection, and national food security.