Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: The issues of potatoes is still one of the hot topics going around in the state as Odisha Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has said that after Uttar Pradesh, the state will go for the potatoes from Punjab.

"Currently the potatoes are coming from UP. And, if required, we will import potatoes from Punjab," said the Food Supplies Minister when being asked about the ongoing issue.

He also quashed the reports of the potatoes from UP are rotten quickly. "The reports are completely false. The UP potatoes are being sold in Odisha and the quality is quite good," said Patra.

"We chose our self respect rather than being blackmailed by West Bengal. What is necessary right now, is that consumers to have sufficient potatoes," he explained.

Several truckloads of potatoes from UP had reached the Capital City godowns August 2. With the arrival of potatoes, the price of the daily consumed tuber is likely to fall gradually. The retail price of potatoes now stands at Rs 40 per kg in markets across the State. 

The saga unfolded when potatoes' price skyrocketed after West Bengal Govt, led by Mamata Banerjee, ordered the state police July 25 to stop the potato-laden trucks from leaving West Bengal border to Odisha.

Taking an immediate action, the Food Supplies Minister had called an emergency meeting July 26 following his inspection of potato godowns. He had also issued warning to swindling traders and ordered them not to overprice the potatoes or else they have to face consequences.

Patra had also slammed Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik for his interference on this issue. Naveen had reportedly written a letter to Mamata Banerjee over the issue. Patra has termed the move by Naveen as "dirty politics".

Patra's Take on Ration Card Issue

Patra said that he has raised the ration card issue in the Assembly. "Investigations are underway. We will find out the false card holders and issue the cards to the people who truely deserve it," said Patra.

Read More: Odisha News