Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: With the arrival of potato-laden trucks in the state, Odisha Traders' Association (OTA) general secretary Sudhakar Panda has said that the import of potatoes will be back to normalcy in a day or two.

His statement came after five potato-laden trucks arrived in the Capital City Thursday. "The potato-laden trucks have arrived at Aiginia potato godown today (Thursday). A total of 50 trucks have reached godowns across Odisha," said Panda.

Speaking about the availibility of potatoes in the state, Panda said, "Currently Odisha have 15,000 to 16,000 tonnes of potatoes in stock. Around 5,000 tonnes of potatoes are consumed on a daily basis, meaning, we have at least three days' stock available."

He has said that the import of potatoes will be back to normalcy soon. "Yes, it will be back to its usual way in a day or two," an optimistic Panda said.

He also shared the reason for which the trucks are not coming to Odisha from West Bengal. "Yesterday (Wednesday), a couple of ministers of West Bengal have spoken to their Traders' Association regarding the release of potato trucks to Odisha," stated Panda.

Then what is the issue, why they aren't sending enough trucks? "Actually, the ministers and the traders' association have decided to sell potatoes at Rs 2,300 per quintal. However, the traders demanding a higher price which is causing the delay," Panda explained.

Panda, however, exudes confidence saying the issue will be resolved in a couple of days. "Look, the newly harvested potatoes will come to market in four months time. So the traders will be eager to clear their stocks as soon as possible. That's why, I think their issue will be resolved in a couple of days," Panda asserted.

"The wholesale price of a quintal potatoes was reportedly Rs 3,200-Rs 3,500, Wednesday. And as a result, the retail traders are slapping high price in the market," he concluded. 

Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has reiterated Panda's words. "The potato issue will be resolved in a day or two. The stocks will come from West Bengal and UP. People's needs will be prioritised," said Patra. "Currently, potatoes from both the state are starting to come."

Patra also said that Govt officials continue to raid open markets for selling potatoes at high price. Patra also indirectly took a dig at LoP Naveen Patnaik. "Why West Bengal is not releasing potato trucks to Odisha, we don't know. May be brother (indicating Naveen) has told his sister (indicating WB CM Mamata Banerjee) not to release the trucks," said Patra.

Read More: Odisha News