Bhubaneswar, July 26: On Friday, Food & Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra visited a potato storage facility in Aiginia, the state capital, to assess the situation amid soaring potato prices in Odisha.

Sources report that Odisha has experienced a sharp increase in potato prices, causing distress among consumers. The retail price has surged from Rs 30 per kg on July 20 to Rs 45-50 per kg, marking nearly a 50% increase in just a few days. This sudden hike has left consumers struggling with the burden of inflated prices.

Concerned about the rising costs, Patra reviewed the situation and assured that the state has sufficient potatoes to meet demand for 7-8 days. He warned of strict action against traders responsible for artificial scarcity, black marketing, and price manipulation.

Speaking to the media after his visit to the storage facility, Patra acknowledged the halt in potato supplies from West Bengal and urged Odisha traders not to exacerbate the situation by engaging in black marketing.

“To address the potato price surge, a crucial meeting has been convened where necessary measures will be discussed and implemented. If needed, we are prepared to import potatoes from Uttar Pradesh to stabilize the market,” Patra stated.

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