Flood-hit Pak's demand for Indian potatoes, tomatoes up

"Sudden demand for potatoes and tomatoes has emerged from Pakistan following the extensive damage caused by floods," Amritsar-based leading trader Rajdeep Uppal Managing Director Narain Exim said.

According to traders, daily 40 to 50 truckloads containing potatoes and tomatoes are being exported to Pakistan through Attari-Wagah land route.

"There was no trading activity at Attari-Wagah land route for the last two and a half months. But now with the fresh orders pouring in from Pakistan, we are sending 40 to 50 trucks of vegetables to the neighbouring country,” he said.

However, exporters demanded the withdrawal of taxes imposed on Indian potatoes and tomatoes by Pakistan, which would boost the export of vegetables. According to traders, Pakistan had imposed whopping 48 per cent duty on potatoes and 4 to 6 per cent duty on tomatoes last year.

"Despite the fact that floods have damaged the crop, Pakistan government has not withdrawn the taxes imposed on Indian potatoes and tomatoes," an exporter said.

"Had the taxes (on potato and tomato) been withdrawn by Pakistan, the strength of truckloads carrying goods could increase to 200 per day from 40-50 at present," he said.