Pakistan Develops Four New Potato Varieties for French Fries and Chips
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
SAHIWAL: Pakistan has taken a significant step toward strengthening its agricultural and food processing sectors as scientists at the Potato Research Institute (PRI), Sahiwal, have developed four new potato varieties designed specifically for making high-quality French fries and potato chips.
The newly developed potato lines are expected to support the country’s growing food processing industry while reducing dependence on imported potato varieties.
High Dry Matter Content Improves Processing Quality
According to PRI Director Dr. Rana Aftab Iqbal, the four new potato lines—L 5-2, FD 74-30, FD 35-36, and FD 74-50—contain more than 22% dry matter content, making them well-suited for commercial processing.
Potatoes with higher dry matter contain less moisture, allowing them to absorb less oil during frying. This helps produce crispier French fries and potato chips with improved texture and quality.
Food processors generally prefer potato varieties with dry matter levels above 20 percent for manufacturing snack products.
Reducing Dependence on Imported Varieties
Pakistan’s potato processing industry currently relies on several imported potato varieties, particularly those developed in Europe, for the production of fries and chips.
The development of locally adapted processing varieties could reduce the need for imported planting material while providing crops better suited to Pakistan’s climate and farming conditions.
Researchers believe these new varieties can improve productivity and support long-term growth in the country’s food processing sector.
Built for Local Growing Conditions
Scientists say the new potato lines have been developed with Pakistan’s environmental conditions in mind and may perform better under challenges such as heat, drought, and frost.
They also noted that farming practices, fertilizer management, irrigation, and harvesting time continue to play an important role in achieving high-quality potato production.
Continued Progress in Potato Research
The Potato Research Institute, established in 2009, has already introduced 12 table potato varieties for local farmers.
Among them, Punjab, Sadaf, and Ruby have dry matter levels between 20% and 22%, while the four newly developed processing lines exceed the 22 percent benchmark.
Growing Opportunities for Pakistan’s Potato Industry
Pakistan produces approximately 10 million tonnes of potatoes each year, making it one of the world’s major potato-producing countries.
Agricultural experts believe that expanding the cultivation of processing-grade potatoes could help meet increasing demand from the food industry, encourage value-added agricultural production, and create new opportunities for farmers and processors across the country.
The development of these new varieties represents another positive step toward strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural research and supporting the growth of its food processing industry.
