Odisha Declares Independence from Bengal Potatoes, Launches Cold Storage Drive
Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: In a bold move to bolster agricultural self-reliance, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo announced that the state will no longer depend on West Bengal for its potato supply.
The government has initiated construction of 13 cold storage units and distributed 3 lakh metric tonnes of potato seeds to farmers, aiming to transform Odisha into a self-sufficient producer.
The announcement came during the launch of a Rabi crop campaign focused on pulses and oilseeds. With favourable monsoon conditions this year, officials expect a robust Rabi season. Singhdeo emphasised that Odisha’s dependency on other states for pulses will also end soon.
India remains the world’s top pulse producer, with output rising from 163.23 lakh tonnes in 2014–15 to 244.93 lakh tonnes in 2024 under the National Food Security Mission. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan lead in production.
Odisha’s previous “Potato Mission” failed to yield results, but the new administration is reviving the initiative with strategic infrastructure and seed distribution.
The state will also celebrate Mandia Diwas (Millet Day) on November 10–11, with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attending as chief guest.
