Potato Crisis Worsens In Odisha, Price Soars

BHUBANESWAR: The potato crisis in Odisha has worsened, with stocks in many godowns across the state completely depleted. Prices have soared, with potatoes now selling for Rs 40-50 per kg, causing significant strain on consumers. 

The Odisha government has assured that the situation will improve by Monday when around 300 trucks of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh are expected to arrive.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that these shipments will help manage the crisis. Additionally, the government has formed a task force to combat overpricing, hoarding, and black marketing of potatoes, and any vendor caught selling at inflated prices will face legal action.

Local potato vendors have expressed concern about the escalating prices. Surya Narayan Pradhan, a vendor from Unit-III, explained that the wholesale price of potatoes has jumped significantly—from Rs 1110 for a 48 kg packet on Thursday to Rs 2000 on Sunday. Despite selling at Rs 50 per kg, vendors are struggling to make a profit. Pradhan warned that if government intervention does not come soon, the shortage could worsen and lead to even higher prices in the market.

The crisis was exacerbated when the West Bengal government imposed restrictions on the supply of potatoes to Odisha starting Wednesday night. As a result, several potato-laden trucks have been stranded at the borders, contributing to the sharp price increase from Rs 33-35 per kg to Rs 50 per kg in just a few days.