In a significant breakthrough for Pakistan’s agricultural and food processing sectors, scientists at the Potato Research Institute (PRI), Sahiwal, have successfully developed four new high dry matter potato varieties specifically designed to produce crispier French fries and potato chips while absorbing less oil during cooking.

The newly developed potato lines are expected to support Pakistan’s expanding processed food industry by offering improved texture, higher quality, and better cooking performance. Due to their high dry matter content, the potatoes produce crispier products with reduced oil absorption, making them more suitable for commercial food processing and consumer preferences.

Researchers at PRI stated that the locally developed varieties have been specifically bred to perform well under Pakistan’s climatic conditions, providing farmers and food processors with a reliable alternative to imported potato varieties. The innovation is expected to reduce dependence on foreign seed imports while improving productivity and strengthening the country’s agricultural self-reliance.

The development is also anticipated to benefit Pakistan’s growing fast-food, snack, and frozen food industries by ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality processing potatoes for French fries, potato chips, and other value-added products. Increased local production could lower production costs, improve competitiveness, and create new opportunities for farmers, processors, and agribusinesses.

Agricultural experts believe the achievement demonstrates the importance of scientific research and innovation in enhancing food security, supporting value-added agriculture, and driving sustainable economic growth. By investing in locally adapted crop varieties, Pakistan continues to strengthen its agricultural research capabilities while creating opportunities for increased exports and industrial development.

The successful development of these advanced potato varieties marks another milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its agriculture sector, promote food innovation, and build a stronger, more competitive agribusiness industry.

Disclaimer: This news is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The accompanying image is AI-generated and intended for illustrative purposes only.