Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to stop procuring potatoes from West Bengal in the wake of repeated disruptions in the supply.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced on Saturday that the state would no longer request potato supplies from West Bengal.
“We will not make any further appeals to West Bengal for potato supplies. If they send potatoes voluntarily, we will accept them, but we will not seek their assistance anymore,” said Patra.
The Minister dismissed concerns of a potato shortage in Odisha, clarifying that the state has sufficient stock. Potatoes are being sourced from Uttar Pradesh at Rs 22 per kilogram, with an additional transport charge of Rs 4. He emphasized that West Bengal is not the sole potato-producing state, pointing out that other states like Punjab are prepared to supply potatoes to Odisha.
Patra also rejected claims of a price hike in the state following the disruption in supply from West Bengal.
Strict action will be taken against traders found selling potatoes at inflated rates, he warned.
