Odisha Supplies Minister warns of stringent action against potato hoarders, black marketers

With no control over the skyrocketing price of potatoes in Odisha, Food & Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra visited a potato godown at Aiginia in Bhubaneswar on Friday to review the situation. After taking a stock of the situation, Patra assured stringent action against hoarders and black marketers of the essential kitchen commodity.

After reviewing the situation, Patra said, “There is sufficient stock of potatoes in the State which can cater to the needs for seven to eight days. Stringent action will be taken against some traders who are responsible for the artificial scarcity and price hike.”

Read More | Skyrocketing Potato Prices in Odisha Pinch Common Man’s Pocket

“I am aware of the fact that the supply of potatoes from West Bengal has been completely halted. But the traders in Odisha should refrain themselves from taking advantage of the situation and avoid black marketing practices of the essential kitchen commodity,” Patra added.

The minister also held the previous BJD government responsible for the present situation in the State. “While the potato and onion missions of the previous BJD government failed drastically, it did not take enough initiatives or boost infrastructure like cold storages or increase potato and onion production in the State,” Patra alleged.

We have called for an important meeting at 3 pm today (July 26) to address the situation and necessary actions will be taken to curb the price hike. If required, we will import potatoes from Uttar Pradesh, the Minister stated.

Notably, the retail price of potato has reached Rs 45-50 per kg in Odisha market causing huge inconvenience to the common man. Potato was available in the market at around Rs 30 per kg on July 20. However, the price jumped to almost double in a day to the utter dismay of the consumers.