Potato farming in Okara, Pakistan has transformed into an art form, with every inch of the fertile land holding the promise of prosperity. No other crop can give as much profit as the potato crop provides to the farmer. The fertility of the land is very important for potato cultivation. Potato (Solanum tuberosum) crop in Pakistan is generally Post paddy harvest, the ideal time for potato planting falls in the months of October and November.
These months emerge as the prime window for this activity. Although some individuals also engage in cultivation during December and January, the optimum results are achieved by those who opt for the October-November period, boasting significantly higher per-acre yields.
Potato Crop Cultivation Process
Crop Duration and Harvest:
- The potato crop cycle typically spans around three months. After this period, the potatoes are harvested from the ground using a digger.
Land Preparation Depending on Prior Crop:
- Land preparation varies based on the preceding crop. For instance, if planting after spring maize, there’s a window of about 2 months before planting potatoes.
- Timing is crucial; spring maize harvests occur by late July—Plant Jantar between August and September. When Jantar develops flowers and root nodules in October, use a disc harrow to press it into the ground. Watering is essential for growth.
- After the soil settles, perform two rounds of disk harrowing and utilize a Lazer land leveller for even terrain.
Fertilization and Plowing in Potato Farming:
- Following land levelling, apply three sacks of DAP and one sack of SOP to the ground.
- Plough deeply twice after fertilization and then apply Rootawater.
- With these steps complete, the land preparation is ready for planting potatoes using a planter.
Potato Farming Post Paddy and Seasonal Maize:
- In cases of planting after paddy and seasonal maize, omit Jantar cultivation and avoid watering for runi.
- Instead, utilize a disk harrow, level the land, apply one-sixth of the required fertilizer, plough twice, and apply Rootawater.
Planting Process:
- For planting potatoes, extract seed potatoes from storage about 10 days prior to planting. This period promotes dormancy completion and root development.
- Employ the planter, spraying seed-protective fungicide simultaneously. Maintain a row-to-row distance of 30 inches and plant-to-plant spacing of 6 to 7 inches.
Initial Care and Fertilization:
- Water the planted potatoes, adding a bag of urea.
- Apply the second watering after ten to twelve days and adjust sulfur application as needed.
- Fertilization continues for about two months post-planting. No further fertilization is necessary.
Spray for Disease Prevention:
- Once plants reach a height of six to seven inches, spray with green oil to prevent early and late blight, especially during unfavourable weather.
- The potato environment typically discourages weed and insect growth, but spray insecticide and weed killer if needed.
How we can export /Potato export series
When it comes to potato exports from Pakistan, let’s delve into the details of the export trends and key factors involved.
Seasonal Export Patterns:
- Potato exports from Pakistan vary throughout the year.
- On average, around 10% of potato exports take place in January, 22% in February, 18% in March, and approximately 12% in April. This export pattern aligns with the typical potato harvesting period spanning from January to April.
Key Cultivation Regions and Export Hub:
- The regions of Okara, Depalpur, and Sahiwal contribute significantly to potato cultivation, accounting for around 90% of potato production in Pakistan.
- These regions also serve as major export hubs, being the source of the highest potato exports.
Destination Countries:
- Pakistan’s potatoes are exported to various countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and the expansive Russian Federation.
Indirect Saudi Arabian Imports:
- Saudi Arabia’s potato import route is intriguing. Saudi Arabia doesn’t directly import potatoes from Pakistan. Instead, it imports from Dubai, which in turn imports from Pakistan.
- This routing decision is influenced by the time factor; importing from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia takes approximately 14 days, while the Dubai route takes around 5 days.
Export and Import Company Landscape:
- Pakistan’s potato export industry involves about 350 exporting companies.
- On the import side, there are approximately 800 potato-importing companies in Pakistan.
Varieties Exported:
- The majority of potato exports from Pakistan consist of mosaic potatoes.
Steps in Potato Farming Export:
- Sourcing from Farmers: Potatoes are purchased from farmers. The choice of potatoes depends on the export preference.
- Plant Washing: Potatoes are washed and cleaned, especially from regions like Dipalpur, Sahiwal, and Okara.
- Grading: Potatoes are sorted by size. Damaged or green-spotted ones are removed.
- Packing: Potatoes are packed in 3 kg bags, usually around 1000 bags per container.
- Labelling: Bags are labelled with type, size, and production company.
- Temperature Control: Containers are kept at 4.5 degrees Celsius.
- Spraying and Treatment: Spraying is done inside the container to maintain freshness.
- Sealing and Export: Sealed containers are exported from Karachi to the destination country.
- Distribution: Import companies sell potatoes in the destination country.
Conclusion
Potato is the most profitable crop in Pakistan compared to other crops. If the government, considering the importance of the agriculture sector, includes potato cultivation in its priorities. So the agriculture sector will grow double during the day and quadruple during the night. Thus, Pakistan will be prosperous and its people will be comfortable. Pakistan is also a country rich in natural resources. It has also been blessed by Allah Almighty with abundant manpower who is talented and skilled. What is lacking is brave and determined leadership. Who is honest and sincere to Pakistan.
Ghulam Mustafa, Ghulam Murtaza
University of Agriculture Faisalabad
