Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at addressing Odisha’s growing demand for potatoes, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced on Tuesday that he will soon visit Kolkata to hold discussions with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on streamlining the supply of the staple food item to the state.
Speaking to the media, Patra said, “We will discuss with her how potatoes can reach the state on time and be available to the people. This is the responsibility of the Civil Supplies Department. What’s the issue in sitting down with her? We aim to become self-reliant.”
Odisha’s annual requirement of potatoes stands at approximately 14 lakh metric tons, whereas domestic production is limited to 5 lakh metric tons. To bridge the shortfall, the state plans to procure additional stock from either West Bengal or Uttar Pradesh, depending on availability and price.
“There is no place for anger or resentment in politics,” Patra remarked, recalling past political camaraderie with Mamata Banerjee when she was part of the NDA. “Didi won’t be upset with us. If we get potatoes at the right time and price, we will procure them; otherwise, we will source them from Uttar Pradesh.”
The minister’s outreach comes amid concerns over seasonal shortages and the need for timely procurement to stabilise prices and ensure supply across Odisha.
