Bhubaneswar: Odisha Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Friday reviewed the situations leading to the rise in prices of potatoes and asked the people not to panic.
This evening, Patra told newsmen that the issue would be resolved within a couple of days as discussions were held with West Bengal authorities.
Patra visited potato godowns at Aigania on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar today where wholesalers informed that they are selling to retailers at Rs. 27 per kg. He then directed the supply officials to ensure that retail traders sell potatoes at Rs. 32 per kg.
While speaking to the media persons, the Minister assured the people that there is sufficient stock of potatoes in the state, which will last for another 6 to 7 days.
Patra also warned of stern action against those traders who resort to hoarding thus creating an artificial price hike for potatoes.
The Minister expressed his disappointment that the West Bengal government has stopped the supply of potatoes to Odisha and has taken back the trucks loaded with potatoes from the Odisha-West Bengal border. He also blamed the previous BJD government for the situation.
When asked about the next course of action, the Minister said that the Odisha government would be in touch with the Uttar Pradesh government to procure potatoes to meet the short supply and hoped the crisis would be resolved within a couple of days.
