Russia lifts ban on Punjab potatoes as Pakistan seeks markets for 12m-ton surplus

Pakistan has regained access to the Russian market for potato exports after the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, Rosselkhoznadzor, approved the import of potatoes from Punjab effective April 8, 2026, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.

The clearance ends phytosanitary restrictions that had been imposed in May 2025 and comes at a time when the country is dealing with a bumper potato crop estimated at approximately 12 million tons. Authorities believe the reopening of the Russian market will help absorb excess supply, stabilize domestic prices, and provide financial relief to farmers while generating additional export earnings.

In the first phase, Russian regulators have authorized imports from three Pakistani companies: M/s Chase International, M/s Zahid Kinnow Grinding & Waxing Plant, and M/s National Fruit. Trade officials indicated that more exporters are expected to be added to the approved list in the near term following compliance verification.

Shabana Aziz, head of Pakistan’s trade mission in Moscow, said efforts are underway to facilitate commercial linkages between exporters and Russian buyers. She added that virtual business-to-business engagements are being arranged with the support of the Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company and TDAP to enable exporters to take advantage of the newly restored market access.

Officials described the development as the outcome of coordinated efforts by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the Department of Plant Protection, TDAP, PHDEC, and Pakistan’s diplomatic trade representatives in Russia, aimed at diversifying export destinations and strengthening bilateral agricultural trade.

Earlier, in January 2026, the Punjab government had requested the federal government to reduce freight charges for exporting potatoes and kinnow, particularly through routes passing via Iran, as growers faced rising logistics costs and export constraints.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani said the provincial administration is taking practical steps at multiple levels to address challenges confronting potato and kinnow growers and to remove bottlenecks affecting exports.