Persistent Potato Shortage in Odisha
Odisha is grappling with a significant shortage of potatoes, which has led to soaring prices across the state. Currently, the price of potatoes in Odisha hovers around Rs 45 per kilogram, creating a financial strain for consumers who rely heavily on this staple vegetable. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, the price remains high due to an erratic supply of potatoes from West Bengal.
Government’s Response to High Prices
To address the supply crisis and mitigate the rising prices, the Odisha government is considering sourcing potatoes from Punjab. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra indicated that if necessary, the state will procure potatoes from Punjab to meet demand and help reduce prices. “We are now procuring potatoes from Uttar Pradesh,” Patra stated. “If needed, we will import from Punjab.”
Quality Concerns and Procurement Decisions
Minister Patra dismissed concerns about the quality of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh. He refuted claims that Uttar Pradesh potatoes are inferior to those from West Bengal. According to Patra, the potatoes from Uttar Pradesh are of good quality and the price difference due to transportation costs is minimal, at just Re 1. This reassurance aims to counteract the negative perception and support the ongoing procurement strategy.
Market Conditions and Supply Issues
In Chhatra Bazar, a major wholesale market in Cuttack, the price of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal remains at Rs 40 per kilogram. The ongoing issue is exacerbated by supply disruptions from West Bengal, which traditionally supplies a significant portion of the region’s potatoes. Recent interactions between Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in New Delhi sought to address this issue, but there has been no significant improvement in the situation.
Impact on Consumers
The price of potatoes has fluctuated between Rs 45 and Rs 50 per kilogram in retail markets. This volatility is causing considerable inconvenience for consumers, as potatoes are a staple ingredient in many households. The price hike is particularly severe in Chhatra Bazar, where three kilograms of potatoes now cost Rs 150, compared to the previous price of Rs 300 per sack. If the supply situation does not improve, there is a risk of further price increases.
Strike and Supply Disruptions
The current crisis has been compounded by a strike among cold storage owners in West Bengal, which has disrupted potato supply to Odisha. The strike has led to a sharp increase in prices, with a sack of potatoes now costing Rs 500, up from Rs 300. This sudden spike in prices highlights the critical nature of the supply chain issues affecting the market.
Future Prospects and State Measures
The Odisha government’s potential decision to import potatoes from Punjab reflects the seriousness of the supply crisis. By diversifying sources and exploring alternative procurement options, the government aims to stabilize the market and bring down prices. However, given the current volatility and dependency on external sources, the resolution of the potato shortage remains uncertain.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by state governments in managing agricultural supply chains and ensuring price stability for essential commodities. As Odisha continues to navigate this crisis, the effectiveness of its procurement strategies and negotiations with other states will be crucial in determining the future availability and affordability of potatoes.
(With inputs from agencies)
