Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced on Monday that Odisha may import potatoes from Punjab if necessary, amid a prolonged shortage in the state. 

Patra refuted rumors that potatoes from Uttar Pradesh were rotten and of poor quality. The decision to halt imports from West Bengal was made due to the state's inability to supply potatoes, leading to a scarcity in Odisha. 

Despite negotiations, potato prices remain high, ranging from Rs. 45 to Rs. 50 per kg, causing concern for consumers. In Cuttack's Chattrabazaar market, three kg of potatoes cost Rs. 150, while retail prices reach up to Rs. 50 per kg. 

The crisis is attributed to the strike of cold storage owners in West Bengal, which has disrupted supplies to Odisha. As a result, potato prices have surged from Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per sack. The state government is exploring alternative sources to mitigate the shortage and stabilize prices.

Powered by Froala Editor