potato: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Nov 30: Frustrated by repeated disruptions in potato supply from West Bengal, the Odisha government has decided to cease procuring the tuber from its neighboring state.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced the decision on Saturday, stating, “We will no longer request West Bengal for potato supply. If they send it voluntarily, we will accept it, but we won’t ask anymore.”
The Minister dismissed concerns about a potato shortage in Odisha, assuring that sufficient stocks are being procured from Uttar Pradesh at ₹22 per kilogram, excluding a ₹4 transportation charge. He also revealed that the state has reached out to Punjab for additional supplies, emphasizing that West Bengal is not the sole potato-producing state.
Patra refuted claims of rising potato prices following the supply halt, warning traders against overpricing. “The price of potatoes remains stable, and strict action will be taken against those exploiting the situation,” he added.
The move highlights Odisha’s efforts to diversify its supply sources and ensure steady availability of essential commodities.
