Odisha considers Punjab as potato source amid supply issues

Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), Aug 5: Despite sourcing potatoes from Uttar Pradesh, Odisha is still experiencing fluctuating prices for the tuber across different markets. Consumers throughout the state have been impacted by rising potato prices following a supply disruption with West Bengal, which has traditionally been a major supplier.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra assured that the government is actively working to stabilize prices. He noted that while adequate quantities of potatoes have arrived from Uttar Pradesh, the state is also considering sourcing from Punjab if needed to meet demand.

“Potatoes are currently being supplied from UP, and if necessary, we will also procure from Punjab to benefit consumers,” Patra said. However, he stressed that a long-term solution involves developing local production. The Chief Minister has announced plans to establish 58 cold storage facilities across the state and to encourage increased potato cultivation by farmers.

The issue of potato prices has sparked political debate, with BJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo criticizing the BJP government. She claimed that much of the potato arriving from UP was rotten, accusing the BJP of letting political differences with West Bengal affect the state’s supply.

In response, Minister Patra dismissed these claims, asserting that the quality of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh is superior to that from West Bengal. “The allegation that Uttar Pradesh potatoes are rotten is completely false and baseless. The quality of potatoes being sold in Odisha from UP is quite good,” Patra stated.