Potato laden West Bengal trucks finally enter Odisha after successful negotiation

After a prolonged stalement between West Bengal government and traders, potato laden trucks finally entered Odisha on Wednesday. This is likely to ease off the potato crisis crippling the state despite measures by the Odisha government to import from other states.

As per reports, the West Bengal government on Tuesday decided to allow inter-State trade of potatoes for the next seven days with some riders.

The development took place following successful negotiations between traders and West Bengal government which were aimed at resolving the supply issues.

The potato laden trucks entered Odisha through various entry points including Jamshola and Chakasuliapada gates in Mayurbhanj district, as well as the Laxmannath gate in Balasore. 

The West Bengal traders have agreed to sell potatoes at Rs 25 per kilogram. Potatoes from West Bengal were purchased at Rs 2,200 per quintal. In contrast, the open market rate for potatoes in Baripada is expected to range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,400 per quintal, according to Mayurbhanj supplies inspector.