Odisha government to provide subsidized potatoes to residents

Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: Consumers across Odisha are grappling with rising potato prices, which remain high despite various efforts and demands to control them. Although some shipments of potatoes have arrived from West Bengal, price fluctuations in both wholesale and retail markets continue to create confusion and difficulties for consumers.

On Saturday, potato prices saw a slight decrease, but they still range from Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kilo. A concerned consumer urged the Odisha government to intervene to bring prices down.

A trader at the Aiginia godown reported that 20 to 21 trucks of potatoes had arrived, with prices at Rs 29 to Rs 30 per kilo. However, due to the lack of regulation in the retail market, prices remain high. The trader suggested that political issues might be influencing the price hike and noted that several trucks transporting potatoes from Uttar Pradesh to Assam via West Bengal had been detained.

In response, the Odisha government has announced a scheme to sell three kilos of potatoes for Rs 100 to residents in Bhubaneswar. The Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department has begun distributing 10 packets of potatoes to each dealer, who will then provide 3 kgs of potatoes at Rs 100 to all ration card holders and other eligible individuals. This measure will continue until market prices stabilize, with the government ensuring an adequate stock is available.