The sudden rise in the potato price by Rs 5 per kg in the past couple of days has triggered resentment among the consumers in the State.
At present, three kg of potato is sold at a price of around Rs 50 against Rs 30 to Rs 35 a few days back in the Chhatra Bazaar wholesale market in Cuttack. But in the retail market, the price varies between Rs 18 and Rs 20 per kg.
“Potato price is fluctuating in Odisha due to a rise in the price in neighbouring States,” said Chhatra Bazar Traders’ Association president Devendra Sahu.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Surjya Narayan Patro, who had earlier predicted that the potato price would rise sharply, on Thursday warned of stringent action against hoarders.
“Odish’s potato requirement is nearly seven times more than its production. As production in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal has decreased, the price has gone up in Odisha owing to fluctuation in the existing demand and supply,” said Patro.
He further informed that the local traders, who have stocked potato, are not releasing the commodity to the market apprehending further rise in the price.
However, the consumers have expressed their resentment over the price rise and blame the Government for it, saying though the State Government was warned by the Union Government about the price rise a couple of months back, it did not take any remedial steps.