Minister for Food Supply & Consumer Welfare Krushna Chandra Patra on Saturday declared that Odisha would not request West Bengal to supply potatoes and also clarified that there is no potato crisis in the state.
This announcement came two days after West Bengal reportedly stopped all potato exports, resulting in numerous trucks loaded with potatoes being stuck at the West Bengal-Odisha border.
Odisha’s Food Supply Minister, took a decisive stance, stating that Odisha will not seek potatoes from West Bengal. Nevertheless, if West Bengal decides to send potatoes independently, Odisha will accept them.
Addressing the media, the Minister emphasized that Odisha is not experiencing a potato shortage and does not depend on its neighbour. Patra continued, mentioning that a sufficient supply of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh has begun to reach Odisha, eliminating any risk of a shortage.
Moreover, he mentioned that the state government is coordinating with Punjab to ensure a continuous potato supply.
The Minister for Food Supply also noted that potato prices in Odisha’s markets have remained stable and issued a warning against hoarding and black marketing, asserting that severe measures would be enforced against selling potatoes at exorbitant prices.
