Bhubaneswar, Nov 30: As the potato crisis loomed large over the State again, Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Saturday alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government is playing politics over the supply of potatoes and that the Mohan Majhi government would not request West Bengal to restore supply of the tuber.

#Odisha will not request West Bengal for potatoes..., says Food & Civil Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra

The Minister's statement came just two days after the West Bengal Government reportedly halted potato export leading to several potato-laden trucks being stranded… pic.twitter.com/vmv3AFnLCz
— Argus News (@ArgusNews_in) November 30, 2024

Speaking to media persons about the potato crisis, Patra said, "The West Bengal government is playing politics, for which, they restricted supply of potato to Odisha while sometimes they allow it. But, this time, we are not going to request them to supply potatoes to Odisha."

However, if West Bengal sends potatoes on its own, Odisha will accept it, he added.

"We are not going to have any talks with Mamata Banerjee government for potatoes. She has already stated in the media that her government will not send potatoes to Odisha so there is no point in talking to her," he said.

“We will bring potatoes from Punjab or Uttar Pradesh, and ensure that consumers do not face any problems," he added.

Potato prices increased marginally in Odisha during the last three days as West Bengal has imposed restrictions on the supply of kitchen essentials to the state.

Hundreds of potato-laden trucks have been stranded near the Odisha-Bengal border as the vehicles have not been permitted to cross the inter-state boundary since Wednesday night, sources said.

Potatoes, which were earlier selling at Rs 30 to Rs 33 per kg in the Odisha markets, have now increased to Rs 40 per kg in retail markets. If supply is not restored, the potato prices may again go up, traders said.

Odisha requires around 4,500 tonnes of potatoes daily to meet its needs. The State mostly depends on West Bengal to meet the requirement of potatoes.

Read More Odisha News

Argus English | argus english | Odisha Latest News, Breaking News, Trending News, Live TV