Potato Crisis: Odisha Govt Decides To Step Up Procurement From UP, Warns Of Action For High Price

Bhubaneswar: Amid reports of rise in potato price in the state, the Odisha government on Tuesday reviewed the situation and decided to step up procurement from Uttar Pradesh.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra held a meeting with representatives of traders’ association, owners of cold storages units, and retailers., Senior officials of the state government and NAFED also attended the meeting.

After the meeting, the Minister told reporters that potato is available in the market at around Rs 35 per kg and reports of the tuber being sold at Rs 40-50 per kg are false and baseless.

In a stern warning to unscrupulous traders, he said if someone is found selling potato at higher prices, stringent action will be taken after thorough probe.

Stating that trucks carrying potatoes arrived in the state on Tuesday also, Patra said it was decided at the meeting that steps will be taken to step up potato procurement from Uttar Pradesh.

He also dismissed reports that the quality of potato coming from UP was bad and said the tuber procured from the northern state is available in the market at different places.