Bhubaneswar: In response to repeated disruptions in the supply of potatoes 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 on Saturday that the state would no longer request potato supplies from West Bengal.
“We will not make any further appeals to West Bengal for potato supplies. If they send potatoes voluntarily, we will accept them, but we will not seek their assistance anymore,” said Minister Patra.
The Minister dismissed concerns of a potato shortage in Odisha, clarifying that the state has sufficient stock. Potatoes are being sourced from Uttar Pradesh at Rs 22 per kilogram, with an additional transport charge of Rs 4. He emphasized that West Bengal is not the sole potato-producing state, pointing out that other states like Punjab are prepared to supply potatoes to Odisha.
Patra also rejected claims of a price hike in the state following the disruption in supply from West Bengal. “Potato prices have remained stable. Strict action will be taken against traders found selling potatoes at inflated rates,” he warned.
