Pakistan's first state of the art potato washing and grading machine was installed in Karachi and is hoped to boost the dwindling export of potatoes.
The machine was imported at a cost of Rs 10 million and is of Indian and Mexican construction.
Abdul Wahid a leading fruit exporter and former Chairman of All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Importers and Exporters Association said that, despite bumper crops, a lack of modern processing and grading of the potato hindered its export.
The lack of modern equipment, for washing, for one thing, has limited export to a few markets, including Sri Lanka, Malaysia and some Gulf Countries.
The lucrative European, Central Asian and Russian markets have so far remained out of reach, with few exceptions.
The new machine is thought to be the first in the country that will wash and grade the potatoes, preparing them to a standard suitable for international trade.
To have a real impact there will need to be many more such machines imported into the country.
