Bhubaneswar: “We have planned to open cold storage facilities in every block of Odisha”, said Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department, on Monday during a press briefing on rising prices of vegetables in the state.
“Onions are imported from Nashik and Andra Pradesh with a quintal price of Rs 2,953, making the per kilo price Rs 29.53, which is before the addition of transportation cost and profit margin of wholesalers and retailers, making the final selling price of Rs 40 per kg.” Said; Minister.
“We are strictly monitoring unauthorised hoarding of the vegetables and will take strict action against anyone who tries to trouble the consumers.” Said; Minister.
Adding more he said; “The growth of potato prices in the state is due to the increase of prices in West Bengal & Assam.”
On being asked about the rising price of Tomatoes and other veggies in the state, the Minister said, “The government doesn’t have control over it. The problem can be addressed by opening cold stores in every block of the state. It will take time, but we are committed to doing it.”