Odisha considers Punjab as potato source amid ongoing price volatility

Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: Despite sourcing potatoes from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha continues to experience fluctuating prices for the tuber across different markets. The rise in potato prices has significantly affected consumers, exacerbated by a supply disruption with West Bengal, a key supplier.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra addressed the issue, stating that the government is actively working to stabilize prices. He noted that while sufficient quantities of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh are currently being supplied, the state is also considering sourcing from Punjab if needed to meet demand.

Patra emphasized that a long-term solution involves boosting local production. The Chief Minister has announced plans to establish 58 cold storage facilities across the state and promote potato cultivation among farmers.

The potato crisis has sparked political debate, with BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo criticizing the BJP government for allegedly allowing poor-quality potatoes from UP into the market. Deo claimed that the state government’s reluctance to procure from West Bengal stems from political differences with the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Minister Patra refuted these claims, asserting that the quality of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh is superior to that from West Bengal. "The allegations are unfounded. The potatoes from UP being sold in Odisha are of good quality," Patra stated.