Bhubaneswar: In response to the ongoing supply issues with West Bengal, the Odisha government has announced an ambitious plan to cultivate potatoes on 15,023 hectares of land.
Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo outlined the initiative during a recent Assembly session, emphasizing the need to boost local production to mitigate the impact of the supply disruption.
The Deputy CM highlighted that steps have been taken to increase potato production in key districts such as Cuttack, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, and Koraput. These districts are known for their favorable conditions for tuber cultivation. The government aims to raise potato production to 13.8 lakh metric tons in the 2023-24 season and further increase it this year.
To support this initiative, the Odisha government has allocated Rs 64 crore for potato farming during the Rabi season. This funding will also be used to establish cold storage facilities across the state, ensuring that the harvested potatoes are stored properly and remain available throughout the year.
The supply tussle with West Bengal has significantly affected Odisha, as the neighboring state has restricted potato exports to stabilize its own market. This has led to a shortage and increased prices in Odisha. The new farming initiative is expected to reduce the state’s dependence on external suppliers and stabilize the local market.
This proactive approach by the Odisha government aims to ensure food security and price stability for its residents, while also fostering agricultural growth in the state.
