Bhubaneswar: Food & Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Friday visited a potato storage facility at Aiginia in the state capital to assess the situation amid soaring potato prices in Odisha.
According to sources, Odisha has witnessed a steep hike in potato price, leaving consumers in distress. The retail price has surged from Rs 30 per kg on July 20 to a whopping Rs 45-50 per kg, marking a near 50% increase in just a few days. The sudden hike in potato prices has left consumers reeling under the burden of inflated prices.
Concerned over the potato price hike, Patra reviewed the situation and assured that the state has sufficient potatoes to meet demand for 7-8 days and warned of strict action against traders responsible for artificial scarcity, black marketing and price manipulation.
Talking to the media following his visit to the potato godown, he said, “I’m aware that potato supplies from West Bengal have been halted, but I urge Odisha traders not to worsen this situation and refrain from black marketing potatoes, an essential kitchen staple.”
“To tackle the potato price surge, a crucial meeting has been convened where necessary measures will be discussed and implemented. If needed, we are prepared to import potatoes from Uttar Pradesh to stabilize the market, Patra stated.
