Bhubaneswar: The new Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra said on Monday that department officials have been directed to take strict measures against the black marketing of potatoes and onions. The spike in prices for these vegetables is being monitored through raids in various districts.
Amidst soaring living costs, the government appears to be thrown up its hands as the Minister said that the government has no control over the vegetable price hike although there is some oversight over the prices of potatoes and onions.
The minister affirmed that market prices are under government surveillance. Since potatoes and onions are not cultivated in Odisha and are imported, their prices are elevated. Efforts are underway to ensure that the prices of potatoes and onions do not artificially inflate within Odisha.
He revealed, “Onions are purchased from Nashik and Andhra Pradesh at Rs 2953 per quintal. Including transportation costs of Rs 4 per kg and after keeping their margin, traders sell onions at Rs 40 per kg.”
The government is exploring ways to maintain onion prices below Rs 40, the minister announced. He added, “Officials have been instructed to inspect markets and storage facilities across every district to prevent hoarding by traders.”
Similarly, regarding potatoes, the minister said that the supply comes from Assam and West Bengal. As potato prices have increased there, the prices have also increased in Odisha. However, decisions are being made on how to provide potatoes and onions at reasonable prices through NAFED.
The Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare also cited that the food prices depend on rainfall. An increase in production leads to a decrease in prices, which is beyond the government’s control. The government cannot dictate the price of any vegetable.
