The minister made the announcement at a meeting held on Thursday to review the current situation ahead of potato exports, which were going to start formally in the first week of February. The food ministry is setting up a facilitation centre in Okara, Punjab for the farmers and exporters prior to the start of overseas shipments. The step is expected to facilitate the potato growers and improve the crisis-like situation. “We are negotiating with provincial agriculture departments and there is another option of the provision of cold storage facilities to the potato growers by the Punjab government,” the minister said. Moreover, the issue of Afghan duty is being negotiated and relevant quarters are being approached for the reduction of the levy on potato exports.

Source: The Express Tribune January 24, 2019 17:37 UTC