Over the years, potato has become an important crop for both
farmers and consumers in Pakistan. The percentage of the potato
crop used for processing has steadily increased .Pakistan is
self-sufficient in potatoes for household consumption and relies
for more than 99% on locally produced seed potatoes.
Presently,
it is estimated that the total annual domestic production amounts
to around 1.8 Million MT, of which 280000 MT is used as seed
and 1.8 Million MT is available for consumption after post harvest
losses. With a population of roughly 132 Million, this
accounts to 9.3 Kg per Capita per annum.
The recent
large increase in acreage was reached by an intensification
of the cultivation in existing potato growing areas, as well
as by introduction of the crop in new areas and to inexperienced
farmers. It is available throughout the year.
