Bhubaneswar: In a significant decision to tide over the potato shortage in the State, the Odisha government is making arrangements to procure the kitchen essential from Uttar Pradesh.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Tuesday chaired a meeting held at the conference hall of the State Guest House in this regard. The meeting was attended by departmental officers, NAFED officers, and office bearers of traders’ and cold store associations.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Patra said that procurement of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh has been expedited and will increase in the coming days. He said that potatoes from UP is available at several places in the State. The arrival of trucks loaded with potatoes from UP in the marketplaces has brought a sense of relief among consumers and traders, the Minister said.
He said that these high-quality potatoes from UP will suit the Odisha market. The State government has taken a variety of steps for the benefit of consumers, he added.
The Minister pointed out that the State government has taken such a decision due to the monopolistic tactics of the West Bengal government in the supply of potatoes. The State government is making arrangements to make available potatoes in the State by procuring the same from UP and other states through NAFED, he added and asked godown owners and traders to cooperate.
Departmental Principal Secretary Vir Vikram Yadav warned of action against unscrupulous traders indulging in unfair trade practices to jack up prices. He said that the department is taking necessary measures to control prices.
Among others, NAFED Odisha Chief Anindita Guha, Deputy Director Deepak Satpathy, General Secretary Odisha Byabasayee Sangha Sudhakar Panda, and President State Cold Store Association Ranjit Kumar Bala attended the meeting.
