300 trucks of potatoes from UP to stabilize Odisha market

Bhubaneswar, Dec 1: Potato prices in Odisha are likely to decrease soon as a large shipment of 300 trucks carrying the vegetable from Uttar Pradesh is set to arrive. Food and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that the consignment is expected to reach the state by tomorrow, helping to stabilize market rates.

At present, potatoes are being sold at Rs 35-40 per kilogram in retail markets. The incoming supply is anticipated to ease prices further, providing relief to consumers burdened by the recent spike.

The government has also issued strict warnings against black marketing of potatoes. Minister Patra criticized the West Bengal government for halting the transportation of potatoes to Odisha, despite having a surplus of 2 lakh metric tonnes.

Odisha heavily depends on West Bengal for its potato requirements, with the neighboring state accounting for nearly 90% of the supply. The disruption caused by West Bengal’s actions had pushed potato prices up to Rs 40-50 per kilogram in the retail market, compared to Rs 30 earlier.