Managing Director of Markfed, DS Bains who returned from Sri Lanka on Monday informed that shipments are likely to commence within a week's time. The initial consignments would be routed through Mumbai port. However, Markfed is exploring the possibility of renting cold stores at Tuticorin port in order to service the Sri Lankan market effectively. Potatoes can be shipped within a day from Tuticorin to Colombo.

Mr Bains said that well graded 40 mm to 60 mm-sized, carefully packed potatoes, in 25 kg jute bags are likely to be exported. He said that the initial order may prove to be a boon for Punjab which is facing a potato glut.

Mr Bains said that India used to export potatoes to Sri Lanka before Pakistan began exporting in a big way. Earlier this year Markfed received offers from couple of Sri Lankan companies but did not find the rates attrative. Mr Bains said that the companies quoted $110 per metric tonne, which Markfed did not find competitive enough to finalise the deal.