Odisha to Expand Potato Procurement: After UP, Punjab Next

Bhubaneswar: Odisha continues to grapple with fluctuating potato prices across its markets, despite importing the tuber from Uttar Pradesh. Consumers are feeling the pinch, primarily due to supply disruptions with West Bengal, historically a major supplier.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra assured that the government is making concerted efforts to stabilize prices. While confirming the arrival of adequate potato stocks from Uttar Pradesh, Patra indicated that Odisha might also consider procuring potatoes from Punjab if necessary to meet demand.

“Currently, potatoes are being sourced from UP. If needed, we will turn to Punjab for supplies to benefit consumers,” Patra stated.

Emphasising a long-term solution, the Minister highlighted the Chief Minister’s plan to establish 58 cold storages across the state and promote large-scale potato cultivation among local farmers.

Meanwhile, BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo criticised the BJP government, alleging that much of the UP-sourced potatoes were rotten, attributing the state’s refusal to procure from West Bengal to political friction with the Trinamool Congress.

However, Minister Patra refuted these claims, asserting the high quality of Uttar Pradesh potatoes compared to those from West Bengal. He dismissed the allegations as unfounded, attributing them to Odisha traders’ familiarity with West Bengal supplies.

Patra also noted that Odisha’s decision to source from Uttar Pradesh was driven by a desire to avoid dependency and potential blackmail from West Bengal, reinforcing the state’s self-respect.