Bhubaneswar: Odisha is currently facing a severe potato crisis, with residents anxiously waiting for the situation to improve. The shortage has led to skyrocketing prices, causing distress among the general public. But there is hope on the horizon as the state government steps in to address the issue.
For the past few weeks, the cost of potatoes in Odisha has surged dramatically. In many areas, potatoes are being sold for ₹50 per kilogram or more. In some places, the price has even reached ₹60 to ₹70 per kilogram. This sudden price hike has burdened families who rely on potatoes as a staple in their diet. The crisis began when supplies from neighboring West Bengal, a major source of potatoes for Odisha, were disrupted.
One major factor contributing to the crisis is the delayed arrival of potato trucks from West Bengal. Due to transportation issues, many trucks carrying potatoes have not been able to reach Odisha on time. Some trucks that did arrive had spoiled potatoes, further exacerbating the shortage. The state government has been closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that fresh supplies reach the markets. Chief Ministers of Odisha and West Bengal, Mohan Majhi and Mamata Banerjee, recently met in Delhi to discuss a pressing issue that has been troubling many households: the potato supply crisis.
Krishna Chandra Patra, the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, has been actively involved in resolving the crisis. According to the minister, the situation is expected to normalize within the next two days. "We are tirelessly striving to make sure potatoes are accessible at an affordable price for all," he stated. The minister assured the public that efforts are being made to bring in more potato trucks from West Bengal. "We are also taking strict measures to prevent black marketing of potatoes," he added.
The government has started conducting raids in various parts of the state to curb black marketing. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that traders do not hoard potatoes and sell them at inflated prices. Additionally, the supply department is keeping a close watch on market activities to ensure fair pricing.
To address the long-term issue of potato shortages, the government is planning to provide incentives for local cultivation. Minister Patra announced that incentives would be given to farmers for growing potatoes and onions within the state. "We are setting up cold storage facilities in 58 subdivisions to help store and preserve the produce," he said. These measures aim to reduce Odisha's dependency on other states for essential food items and ensure a steady supply throughout the year.
Meanwhile, some progress has already been made. Yesterday, five trucks carrying potatoes arrived in Cuttack from West Bengal, and today, six more trucks have reached Chhatra Bazaar in Cuttack. While the supply flow is yet to return to normal, these arrivals are expected to help ease the shortage and bring down prices. "We anticipate that the arrival of more potato trucks today will lead to a decrease in prices," a market official said.
Residents of Odisha are hopeful that the government's efforts will soon pay off, and the potato crisis will come to an end. Until then, families are doing their best to manage with the limited supply and high prices. The next few days will be crucial in determining how quickly the situation can be brought under control and prices stabilized.
In summary, the potato crisis in Odisha has caused significant concern among residents, but the government's swift action and planned measures offer hope. With more trucks arriving and stricter market regulations, the state is on the path to overcoming this challenge. As the minister assured, within a couple of days, the situation is expected to improve, bringing much-needed relief to the people of Odisha.