Web Desk
Odisha is grappling with a severe potato shortage, leading to soaring prices of the staple food. The crisis emerged due to West Bengal’s halt in potato supply since mid-July, following a 20% drop in production. Odisha, heavily reliant on West Bengal for potatoes, has seen prices skyrocket to Rs 55-60 per kg. In response, the Odisha government has initiated emergency measures, including procuring potatoes from Uttar Pradesh and selling them at Rs 100 for 3 kg through government retail outlets.
Despite the State Potato Mission launched in 2015 to boost local production, Odisha remains dependent on external supply due to insufficient cold storage facilities and limited local cultivation. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reached out to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, urging for the resumption of potato supply to stabilize the situation. The Odisha government is working to distribute potatoes via NAFED, hoping to curb prices and ensure availability across key cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
