Pakistan, Korea move toward joint seed potato centre to cut costly imports

November 18, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan and South Korea have begun formal talks on a plan to establish a Seed Potato Production and Supply Centre in Islamabad, a move that could ease Pakistan’s dependence on imported seed and address persistent shortages in the country’s potato supply chain.

During a briefing at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain reviewed a feasibility study presented by a visiting Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) team, said a press release issued.

The study outlines a proposed facility that would use aeroponics, tissue culture and cold-chain technology to produce virus-free seed potatoes domestically, a capability Pakistan currently lacks despite cultivating potatoes on a large commercial scale.

Pakistan imports most of its seed potatoes each year, a reliance that raises production costs for growers and exposes the sector to supply disruptions.

It was emphasized at the meeting that local production could reduce import dependence, lift yields by as much as 20%, and provide certified seed to more than 100,000 farmers across major potato-growing districts.

KOICA Director Je Ho Yeon said Korea is prepared to transfer technology and training to build the system, noting that similar methods have helped Korea scale high-quality seed potato production.

The feasibility plan also includes ERP-based traceability and postharvest management systems to improve seed quality control.

Hussain said the government is reviewing the project for early approval, citing its alignment with national food-security goals and efforts to modernize Pakistan’s seed sector.

Both sides expressed confidence that the proposed centre could become a long-term platform for Pakistan–Korea agricultural cooperation.

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