Potato Retail Price Not To Exceed Rs 32/Kg: Food Supplies Minister Directs Retailers

Bhubaneswar, July 26: Odisha Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has directed the retailers Friday to sell potato at a maximum price of Rs 32/kg after the potato price skyrockets in the state.

"I have inspected the market this morning. The price is still reasonable. I have bought 5 kgs for Rs 135," said Patra. "We raided a potato godown finding out they have set a price of Rs 27/kg. It means the retail price should not exceed Rs 32/kg. And if any retailer sells more than it, strict action will be taken against him," he added, issuing a warning to swindling traders.

The directive came after potato prices skyrocketed following West Bengal's trade attack on Odisha. The West Bengal Govt, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, ordered the traders of the state to stop the export of potato to Odisha.

As a result, hundreds of potato-laden trucks were stopped by the West Bengal Police to enter Odisha. The action led to a sudden price rise in the state.

The Food Supplies Minister has also called an emergency meeting at 3 pm Friday. "It was an unfortunate decision by the West Bengal Govt. We will discuss this issue with them," said Patra.

"If we don't find any solution to this issue, we will talk to Uttar Pradesh Govt. If West Bengal doesn't export potato to Odisha, we will import it from Uttar Pradesh," Patra asserted.