Ministry of National Food Security and Research is trying to resolve the issue of potato through due efforts on its part. 3 to 4 lac ton potatoes are exported every year. The export of potato to Afghanistan is started already. Around 25 trucks have arrived in Kabul in two days. The Ministry of National Food Security is in liaison with Provincial agriculture departments as well. Besides, the minister has reaffirmed that no duty is imposed on the export of potato from the government. The issue of Afghan duty (as Afghanistan is the route through which it's exported) which is around 25% is imposed by Afghan authorities since 2015 is also taken into account; the negotiation regarding decrease in the said duty is underway through embassy. This would also help the farmers and exporters. It is pertinent to mention that the export of potato formally starts in last week of January each year and a substantial increase is expected in export this year around. The potato from Pak is exported to Russia; Malaysia; entire gulf countries and Sril Lanka. China and Tajikistan would also get the considerable share for their countries. China as was told by the Ambassador is last week; is quite keen in buying Pak potato; which is encouraging. The Ministry through its Department of Plant Protection (DPP) establishes a facilitation center every year at Okara; the purpose is to facilitate the exporters and do away with cumbersome procedure involved otherwise. It is also relevant that there must be a boost in potato export when formally its export starts from last week of January when the crop is mature to be exported.
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