The potato wholesalers were told to restrict profit margin within 3 per cent here, else they would face stringent action.
A meeting was held to check black marketing of the tuber and ensure fair price. It was chaired by District Civil Supplies Officer Udit Narayan Patnaik and attended by six wholesalers from Jharsuguda and four from Brajrajnagar.
The traders argued for 5 per cent margin instead of 3 per cent, which was not accepted. "The potato sellers were cautioned against any artificial scarcity," said Patnaik further.
The meeting further discussed supply of daily requirement of 150 tonne of potato in the district. Meanwhile, 84 tonne and 21 tonne potato have been procured from outside for use in Jharsuguda and Brajrajnagar, respectively, it was revealed.
The potato farmers sustained heavy loss this year due to insects which forced them to sell potato at high rates due to less production. It was decided that a squad will visit all potato go-downs and will ensure that nobody sells potato beyond Rs18 per kg. Those selling at high rates will attract serious action by the district administration.