Vegetable exporters in Pakistan have demanded of the government a subsidy on exports of potato to remain competitive at world markets at a time when Pakistan is poised to produce the commodity in surplus this year.
“Pakistan is estimated to produce upto 1.4 million ton potato this year against the local demand of about 1.1 million ton,” said Haji Shahjahan, president of Wholesale Vegetable Welfare Association Sabzi Mandi.
The government should announce a 50 percent freight subsidy or invoice subsidy to export remaining 300,000 ton potato in surplus, he said, adding that exporters need subsidy to remain competitive.
