Pakistan explores other markets for potato export amid closure of trade with Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD – The National Food Security Ministry and Research (MNFSR) said on Wednesday that Islamabad is exploring alternative export markets to address the slump in potato prices triggered by the closure of key border passes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan closed its Chaman and Torkham border crossings with Afghanistan in October 2025 after fierce clashes between both forces left dozens dead.

The suspension of trade with Afghanistan, a huge market for Pakistani potatoes, has created an oversupply of the vegetable in Pakistan. The prices of potatoes in the country have since then recorded a sharp decline, with Pakistani farmers complaining of heavy losses.

“To resolve this issue, MNFSR, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Ministry of Commerce, is actively exploring alternative export destinations and trade routes to ensure continuity of exports and market access for Pakistani potatoes,” the food security ministry’s statement said.

Pakistan exports vegetables, particularly potatoes, a big chunk of which goes to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and beyond via Afghanistan

The MNFSR said it has directed the commerce ministry to identify foreign importers to facilitate and accelerate potato exports.

“The ministry has identified 36 countries as potential export markets for Pakistani potatoes and has shared the list with exporters,” it said.