Russia has lifted restrictions on potato imports from Punjab, permitting 101 Pakistani exporters to renew shipments from July 7 after reviewing Pakistan’s phytosanitary management system, in keeping with Pakistan’s commerce officer in Moscow.
The choice was formally communicated to Pakistan’s Ministry of Nationwide Meals Safety and Analysis. Nevertheless, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance has barred two Pakistani exporters from delivery potatoes to Russia after discovering that they failed to satisfy the required phytosanitary requirements.
In keeping with the commerce officer, Russia knowledgeable Pakistani authorities that potato imports from Punjab could be allowed, topic to ensures from Pakistan’s Division of Plant Safety relating to compliance with required phytosanitary measures.
The Russian authority stated the choice adopted a overview of the checklist of Pakistani potato exporters and their deliberate export volumes from Punjab. Nevertheless, it excluded two exporters, alleging that they had violated the phytosanitary quarantine necessities of Eurasian Financial Union member states whereas supplying potatoes to Russia in 2025.
The authority additionally famous that it had beforehand allowed three Pakistani exporters to renew potato shipments from April 8. In keeping with the letter, these exporters are Chase Worldwide, Zahid Kinnow Grading and Waxing Plant, and Nationwide Fruit.
Pakistan’s commerce mission has requested the Ministry of Nationwide Meals Safety and Analysis to make sure implementation of the Russian resolution.
Pakistan had raised the problem with Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance in February, submitting pest standing data and laboratory experiences confirming that the potato crop was free from the pests and ailments recognized by Russian authorities.
The Commerce Improvement Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Pakistan Horticulture Improvement and Export Firm (PHDEC) have additionally held digital business-to-business conferences to assist Pakistani exporters take full benefit of the chance.
Pakistan has additionally been exploring export routes to Central Asian nations by means of China and Iran following the closure of the Torkham border. Potato manufacturing reached round 12 million metric tons this season, with almost 4 million metric tons obtainable for export to Central Asia and different worldwide markets.
Pakistan is presently witnessing a bumper potato harvest, with manufacturing estimated at about 12 million metric tons. The reopening of the Russian market is anticipated to assist scale back surplus shares, stabilize home potato costs, assist farmers and enhance international alternate earnings.
In Might 2025, Russia imposed restrictions on potato imports from Punjab after alleging the presence of the Potato Tuber Moth and Tomato Wilt virus.
