The people of this district may face a tough time to manage their kitchens without potato again. Due to inadequate supply, the price of potato increased to between Rs 20 and Rs 22 a kg on Thursday against Rs 14 to Rs 16 on Wednesday in the retail market. It is feared that the price may keep escalating.
President of the Market Association of Perishable Goods Ajay Biswal said the trucks which had gone to West Bengal to bring potato were stuck on the way to Baleswar. The trucks were stranded as the West Bengal Government has issued fresh restrictions on the export of potato on the ground that the quantity agreed to for supply to Odisha has reached the limit.
“The neighbouring State is creating problem for us instead of extending cooperation. We may take tougher steps. Hundreds of vehicles carrying food commodities pass through the district to West Bengal and we may stop them,” Biswal said. Baleswar Civil Supplies Officer Amar Mohapatra said, “Due to stoppage from the Bengal end, this situation has emerged. Besides, Bengal too faced crop loss this year due to natural calamities. However, discussions are on at level of the Secretaries of the two States to resolve the crisis.”