Bhubaneswar, July 27:Potato-laden trucks from West Begal have reached Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, today
However, these 10-12 trucks have reportedly taken illegal routes to reach the state capital and Balasore.
Traders revealed that the supply of potatoes is gradually improving, and these trucks are coming through village routes and operating at night.
The price surge is attributed to consumer hoarding, as people fear a shortage of this essential commodity.
Despite a government directive to retailers not to sell potatoes beyond Rs 32 per kg, prices in Odisha remain high, ranging from Rs 45 to 60 per kg.
Retailers claim that they purchase sacks of potatoes for Rs 2,200 from wholesalers, which forces them to sell at Rs 50-55/kg.
Wholesalers, on the other hand, assert that potatoes are not being sold on the black market and anticipate improvement once trucks arrive from neighboring states.
Following an emergency meeting, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra assured that the issue would be resolved within a day or two. Officials in West Bengal have been contacted to streamline the movement of potato trucks, and discussions are underway with the Uttar Pradesh government for potato procurement.
The recent surge in potato prices in Odisha occurred after the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal restricted potato exports to regulate prices. Although the strike by potato traders was called off on July 24, trucks carrying potatoes were still not allowed to cross West Bengal.
n response, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to the West Bengal CM, urging her to ensure a smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha.
