Potato crisis returns to haunt Odisha again? Several trucks stranded on West Bengal border

After a brief lull, it seems that the potato crisis has returned to haunt Odisha again. Many Odisha-bound potato-laden trucks have been stranded on West Bengal border as these vehicles are not allowed to cross the border.

The situation has triggered speculation that the neighbouring state has put a curb on the export of the tuber vegetable to Odisha.

Hundreds of potato-laden vehicles have been reportedly stranded near Belda and other checkpoints near the inter-state border since Wednesday evening.

As per sources, the West Bengal government has taken the decision to stop export of potatoes to other states to control the gradual price rise of the essential kitchen items in their state.

The West Bengal government has reportedly taken the initiative following an important meeting held at Nabanna under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The CM has directed the administration to take strong actions to control the price rise of potatoes and onions in West Bengal.

In response to the development, Odisha Byabasayi Mahasangha general secretary Sudhakar Panda said that the Odisha government should initiate discussions with the West Bengal government immediately to resolve the impasse.

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“The West Bengal government has issued a verbal order on Wednesday to stop export of potatoes to Odisha and as a result, many potato-laden trucks have been stranded in the border areas. Odisha government must take the matter seriously and initiate discussions with the government of the neighbouring state to find solutions,” said Panda.

“We don’t have much old stock of potatoes. New stock of potatoes is expected to arrive at the market after a month. We don’t have any alternative now. Odisha government should take immediate steps to resolve the issue,” he added.