The Increasing Potato Production
When Pakistan established its independence in 1947, the potato cultivation area in this country was just a few thousand hectares and the total annual output was less than thirty thousand tonnes. But since then, the potato has become the country’s fastest-growing staple food crop. In 2013 potato was cultivated over an area of 172000 hectares and 3,767,200 tonnes of potato were harvested in Pakistan, accounting for a 1% share of the world, and ranking 20 in the world. In addition, to meet domestic demand, surplus potatoes are for export. They are mainly exported to Dubai, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and Iran. In 2009-2010, 245,329 million kg of potato was exported to the above-mentioned countries.
Almost Year-Round Production
Potatoes are cultivated in different geographical locations in different seasons, which include spring, summer, and autumn. The major growing seasons and districts are listed below.
| Growing  Season | Planting  Time | Harvesting  Time | Production Share | Main Growing Districts |
| Spring | Jan-Feb | April-May | 07-10 % | Balochistan and KPK province |
| Summer | March-May | August-Oct | 15-20 % | Northern hilly areas and Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
| Autumn | Sept-Oct | Jan-Feb | 70-75 % | Punjab |
Wide Planting Area
The main potato producing districts are as follows:
Punjab: Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Sialkot, Kasur, Jhang & Lahore.,
KPK: Nowshera, Mardan, Swat, Dir & Mansehra.
Balochistan: Killa Saifullah, Kalat & Pishin., Sindh: Khairpur & Shikarpur.
Rich Potato Varieties
In Pakistan, both white and red-skinned potato varieties are cultivated, while red-skinned are mostly liked by consumers. Red skin varieties include Desiree, Asterix, lady rosetta, krouda, rodeo, cardinal, ultimas, lal-e-faisal, simphonia. While white skin varieties include Diamant, Santana, ajax, patrones, multa, and sante. The white skin varieties are cultivated commercially.
Increasing Demand Of Potato Chips In Pakistan
The annual intake of the potato is around 11 kg per capita in Pakistan. In 2004, very few potatoes are processed into potato chips. But the potato chips market in Pakistan increased at a compound annual growth rate of 11.6% between 2004 and 2009 because the government encouraged farmers to plant the varieties suitable for making potato chips. And the growth continues during the last few years.
Potato Chips Processing Equipment
Small-scale potato chips production line is recommended for the Pakistan market. Of the three output capacities usually available, 30kg/h, 50kg/h, 100kg/h, the second one is the best selling. The line involves eight machines from potato washing to potato chip packing. If you want a special capacity, we can make it for you.
