Potato prices soar in Odisha as Cyclone 'Montha' looms

As Odisha braces for the possible Cyclone 'Montha', vegetable prices have begun to rise sharply across the state.

As per reports, the price of potatoes has increased by Rs 5 per kilogram at Chhatra Bazaar in Cuttack. Until yesterday, three kilograms of potatoes were selling for Rs 60, but today the price has touched Rs 70.

Retail shopkeepers are blaming warehouse suppliers for the price hike, while common consumers are worried about the growing costs. A potato sack that traders previously bought from wholesalers for Rs 680 is now priced at Rs 850. Retailers claim they have been forced to raise prices as warehouse rates have gone up by Rs 150 per sack.

"Whenever a crisis happens, the market price increases. Nobody is here to monitor it. When I asked for potatoes from a shop in my village, he denied that there was any stock. The situation will worsen when the cyclone occurs," said Pratap Chandra Mohanty, a consumer in Cuttack

Meanwhile, the Chhatra Bazaar Traders’ Association has urged the vendors not to overcharge customers and to maintain reasonable pricing inside the market.

Also Read: Cyclone ‘Montha’: Odisha on high alert, stern warning issued against hoarding & black marketing

"I urge the vendors not to sell potatoes at a higher price. They should sell it at their purchasing rate so that buyers will be satisfied. I also request the consumers not to purchase potatoes in a hurry," said Chhatra Bazaar Traders’ Association Secretary Pradeepta Rout.

According to local vehicle owners and traders at the Jaleswar area in Balasore district, there is sufficient stock of potatoes in the wholesale market. Adequate quantities had already been stored for Kali Puja. However, with some labourers currently on leave for Chhath Puja, the price of potatoes has soared slightly.

"Some labourers are currently on leave and as a result, there has been a slight increase in the price of the potato," said Abhilash Patra from Jaleswar.

On the other hand, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone engaging in black marketing during the cyclone period.

"If anybody tries to take advantage of this critical situation by hoarding essential commodities or indulging in black marketing, stern and exemplary action will be taken," said Minister Pujari.