ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research on Thursday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to intervene in the ongoing potato crop crisis and take measures to stabilise prices.
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The committee, chaired by Syed Tariq Hussain, unanimously recommended sending a letter to the prime minister requesting a meeting in the coming week to apprise him of the situation and propose solutions for timely action.
During the meeting, members discussed low market prices for potatoes, high production costs, export challenges, and the need for subsidy support. Lawmakers urged the government to directly purchase potato crops from farmers at fair prices to protect incomes, stabilise the market, and prevent financial distress.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research met under the Chairmanship of @TariqSJamotPPP
,MNA (President @PPP_Org District Hyderabad)
at Parliament House today.
To Discuss SugarCane Insufficient Price for Farmers and Potatos#NACommittee pic.twitter.com/7TtrnJItzx— SyedAllahDinoShah_ PPP Jeay Bhutto (@SyedAllahDinoS3) January 29, 2026
Officials from the Department of Plant Protection highlighted that overall potato exports had increased compared to the previous year, attributing higher production to favourable weather. The Commerce Ministry confirmed that export-related issues had been raised with relevant authorities following a request from the Punjab government.
Acknowledging the complexity of the crisis, the committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to hold a joint meeting with the Commerce Ministry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Punjab Agriculture Department, National Logistics Cell (NLC), the Potato Growers’ Society, and other stakeholders. A report on actionable measures is expected by February 2.
Special invitee Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan briefed the committee on the actual cost of production and selling prices, as well as challenges affecting exports, including transport delays, storage limitations, visa hurdles, and phytosanitary certification issues.
The committee also discussed the deregulation of the sugarcane industry, stressing the need to protect growers’ interests, ensure timely procurement and crushing, and guarantee prompt payments.
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Members urged the ministry to adopt a proactive approach, addressing ongoing crop issues while preparing for future cycles with strategic planning to ensure crop stability, safeguard farmers’ incomes, and strengthen national food security.