Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is exploring options to procure potatoes from Punjab to meet consumer demands, following allegations of substandard potatoes being supplied from Uttar Pradesh. While Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra defended the quality of UP potatoes, he acknowledged that alternative sources may be considered if the situation requires.
Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra addressed the current potato shortage, stating that the government is prepared to import potatoes from Punjab if necessary. He emphasized that his department prioritizes consumer welfare and will take steps to ensure a steady supply of potatoes, including procuring from Punjab if the situation warrants it.
The Minister’s statement followed complaints from consumers about receiving poor-quality potatoes from Uttar Pradesh. It was alleged that the potatoes supplied by UP were rotting within two to three days, prompting concerns about their quality.
Minister Patra refuted the claims, asserting that potatoes from Uttar Pradesh are superior to those exported from Kolkata. He maintained that UP potatoes are of good quality and denied allegations that they are rotting quickly, adding that consumers will eventually become accustomed to the quality of UP potatoes.
Patra said, “UP potatoes are better than potatoes being exported from Kolkata. UP potatoes are of good quality. This is not true that UP potatoes are getting rotten easily. Consumers will gradually be acquainted with UP potatoes.”
He further said, “Instead of being blackmailed by West Bengal, we preferred to maintain our dignity for which we moved to Uttar Pradesh to meet the potato demand of consumers. If the situation worsens, we may export potatoes from Punjab.”
