Food Minister addresses potato price hike, warns traders against manipulation

Bhubaneswar, July 26: On Friday, Food & Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra visited the potato storage facility at Aiginia in Bhubaneswar to address the recent spike in potato prices across Odisha.

The state has experienced a dramatic rise in potato prices, with retail costs climbing from Rs 30 per kg on July 20 to Rs 45-50 per kg—a nearly 50% increase within a short period. This surge has significantly impacted consumers, causing widespread concern.

During his visit, Patra evaluated the current situation and reassured the public that the state has an adequate supply of potatoes for the next 7-8 days. He warned traders against engaging in artificial scarcity, black marketing, and price manipulation, promising stringent action against such practices.

Patra acknowledged the disruption in potato supplies from West Bengal but urged Odisha traders to avoid exacerbating the situation. He also announced a critical meeting to discuss and implement measures to address the price increase, including the possibility of importing potatoes from Uttar Pradesh if necessary to stabilize the market.