Bhubaneswar: Amid the soaring price of potatoes in Odisha, several trucks carrying the kitchen essential from Uttar Pradesh reached various markets in the State early on Monday morning.
According to sources, around 300 trucks carrying potatoes from UP are expected to reach various locations across Odisha soon.
The price of potatoes skyrocketed in Odisha after West Bengal decided to impose a ban on tuber export to neighbouring states.
The sudden ban had caused several potato-laden trucks to get stranded on the Odisha-West Bengal border near Belda. The same also sparked concerns among traders in that state of mounting losses, following which they have threatened a strike tomorrow.
With Odisha relying on UP for the potatoes, the price of the tuber is soaring in the state with several places recording prices ranging from Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 per kilogram.
Taking note of the Mamata Banerjee government’s decision, Patra had announced that the Odisha government would not request West Bengal to resume potato supply and would only accept shipments if they come voluntarily.
“4 trucks from West Bengal and 1 truck from Uttar Pradesh carrying potatoes arrived today. The 300 trucks that the government had assured are also expected to reach here soon. As of now, we are selling potatoes at Rs. 38 per kg at wholesale rates,” said Debendra Sahu, secretary of the Chhatra Bazaar Traders’ Association in Cuttack.
Meanwhile, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department officials conducted raids at various markets in the Twin Cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar including in Chhatra Bazar amid alleged sale of potatoes at inflated prices.
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