Bhubaneswar, June 24: "We have planned to open cold storage facilities in every block of Odisha," announced Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, during a press briefing on Monday addressing the rising vegetable prices in the state.

"Onions are imported from Nashik and Andhra Pradesh at a quintal price of Rs 2,953, making the per kilo price Rs 29.53 before adding transportation costs and profit margins for wholesalers and retailers, which raises the final selling price to Rs 40 per kg," explained the Minister.

"We are strictly monitoring unauthorized hoarding of vegetables and will take stringent action against anyone attempting to exploit consumers," he added.

Further, the Minister commented on the rising potato prices, attributing the increase to higher prices in West Bengal and Assam.

When asked about the escalating prices of tomatoes and other vegetables, the Minister stated, "The government does not have control over these prices. The solution lies in establishing cold storage facilities in every block of the state. It will take time, but we are committed to this initiative."

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