The surge in potato prices, reaching up to Rs. 50 per kilo, has become a significant issue for the general public.
On Saturday,
the Odisha Food Supplies Minister announced a price cap on potatoes at Rs. 32
per kilo, promising strict action against traders violating this directive. The
surge in potato prices, reaching up to Rs. 50 per kilo, has become a
significant issue for the general public.
In response
to the crisis, Minister Krishnachandra Patro inspected potato storage
facilities, including the Aiginia godown in Bhubaneswar. He identified
unscrupulous traders as the culprits behind the price hike and assured that they
are under surveillance and will face stringent penalties. The government is
determined to ensure potatoes are sold at the capped price.
Efforts are
underway to collaborate with the West Bengal government to resume potato
imports, which have been halted due to a strike by cold storage owners in West
Bengal. If necessary, the government plans to source potatoes from Uttar Pradesh
to alleviate the shortage.
The
cessation of imports from West Bengal, a primary supplier, has led to a sharp
rise in potato prices. A sack that previously cost Rs. 300 now costs Rs. 500,
with retail prices soaring to Rs. 45-50 per kilo. The Odisha State Traders
Association has urged immediate discussions with West Bengal authorities to
resolve the crisis.
In a
surprising turn of events, trucks loaded with potatoes were turned back from
the Odisha-West Bengal border. Over 200 trucks were stranded at the Sonakonia
check post on National Highway 60 in Odisha, only to be ordered back to West
Bengal by Medinipur District Additional SP Saumik Sengupta.
This
shortage has led to widespread discontent among consumers, particularly
affecting low-income and middle-class families already struggling with the
rising cost of living. The spike in potato prices has exacerbated their
financial burden, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.