Odisha’s Potato Shortage to Ease with UP Supply

The potato shortage in Odisha is expected to ease soon, with 300 truckloads of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh set to arrive by tomorrow morning, announced Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra.

Currently, West Bengal holds a surplus of 2 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes, with a stock of 7 lakh metric tonnes. The state requires 5 lakh metric tonnes, leaving the surplus available for supply to other states. Some traders in West Bengal have been stockpiling potatoes for export, but delays in shipping could result in spoilage and financial losses, said Patra.

The minister also cautioned traders in Odisha against taking advantage of the situation by inflating prices. He emphasized that enforcement teams would take strict action against any malpractice.

Export of potatoes from West Bengal to other states was banned on November 22, after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about meeting the state’s internal needs before allowing exports.