Bhubaneswar, July 27: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday met his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in New Delhi and addressed the issue of disrupted potato supply from West Bengal to Odisha. The interruption has led to a sharp rise in potato prices, causing significant difficulties for the people of Odisha.
Both Chief Ministers are in New Delhi to attend the Niti Aayog meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi.
Odisha Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said, the import of potatoes will resume in next two days.
After an emergency meeting convened in response to the West Bengal government's decision to restrict potato-laden trucks entering Odisha, Patra stated that, discussions had already taken place between the two states. The restriction, enforced by the TMC-led government in West Bengal, resulted in hundreds of trucks being halted at the Odisha-West Bengal border.
Despite the minister's strict warning, potatoes continue to be sold in markets at prices ranging from 40 to 50 rupees per kilogram. In Bhubaneswar, potatoes are priced at 40 to 50 rupees per kg, while in Cuttack, potatoes are being sold at 50 rupees per kilo. Similarly, prices are reported at 50 rupees in Jagatsinghpur, 45 to 50 rupees in Berhampur, and also 45 to 50 rupees per kg in Sambalpur.
On Friday, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday seeking her intervention to ensure a smooth supply of potatoes to Odisha.
