The approval comes after phytosanitary restrictions imposed in May 2025 and initially allows exports from three companies: M/s Chase International, M/s Zahid Kinnow Grinding & Waxing Plant, and M/s National Fruit.
Head of Pakistan’s Trade Mission in Moscow, Shabana Aziz, said more exporters are expected to be registered soon. She added that, with the support of TDAP and the Pakistan Horticulture Development & Export Company (PHDEC), virtual business-to-business meetings are being arranged to help exporters tap into the new opportunity.
Pakistan is currently producing an estimated 12 million tons of potatoes, and access to the Russian market is expected to help absorb surplus supply, stabilise domestic prices, and support farmers, while boosting export revenues.
The development follows coordinated efforts by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research, the Department of Plant Protection, TDAP, PHDEC, and Pakistan’s Trade Mission in Moscow. It also aligns with broader strategies to diversify export destinations and strengthen trade ties with Russia.
Earlier this year, the Punjab government sought federal assistance to reduce freight costs for exporting potatoes and kinnow, including shipments via Iran, to ease challenges faced by growers and exporters.
Punjab’s Minister for Agriculture, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, said the provincial government is working on multiple measures to address issues faced by potato and kinnow farmers and to enhance export potential.
