No respite from potato price rise in Odisha despite procurement from WB resumes

Even though trucks carrying potatoes from neighbouring West Bengal have started plying to Odisha, people in the State are still bearing the brunt of the price rise with the kitchen essential being sold at Rs 50 per kg or more in the retail markets.

While in Cuttack’s Chatra Bazaar potato is priced at Rs 50 per kg, people in other parts of the State are buying it at Rs 50-60 per kg.

“Even after the government’s directive, the potato price has remained unchanged. The price of 1 kg potato is Rs 50.  I bought 6 kg of potatoes and it cost me Rs 280. The local traders are doing monopoly due to lack of inspection by the Supplies department officials at the ground level,” alleged a customer at Chatra Bazaar.

Though potato procurement from West Bengal has resumed it is yet to gain pace, the traders’ association said urging the State government to come up with a guideline to check the price rise of potatoes at the retail market.

Sudharkar Panda, Odisha Traders’ Association secretary said, “The efforts of the traders have helped the potato-laden trucks to reach various markets in Odisha. An extra amount of Rs 15,000 to 20,000 per truck has been spent to help the vehicles reach Odisha. And, the extra cost is being borne by the consumers. So I request the Odisha government to intervene in the matter for smooth passage of the trucks.”

“As many as 40 potato-laden trucks have reached Aiginia potato godown and several markets in Bhubaneswar. The stock, which we have now, is sufficient to cater for the needs for the next two to three days. If the potato procurement from West Bengal has resumed, then I request the Odisha government to issue a statement regarding this,” Panda added.

On the other hand, Odisha Food & Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the crisis has come to an end in the State.

“Following a discussion between the Chief Ministers of Odisha and West Bengal, the procurement has resumed. There is sufficient stock in the market as trucks have started reaching various markets across the State. The potato is being sold at Rs 30-32 per kg in the retail markets.” Patra said.

When asked about black marketing of the kitchen essential, Patra said, “I have asked my officers to initiate action against the black marketers who are selling potatoes at a very high price causing inconvenience to the common people.”