Two days after BJD spokesperson Pratap Jena cautioned Ministers that they should not pass on the responsibility of arresting the rising potato price by blaming bureaucrats, three Ministers, Agriculture, Cooperation and Food Supplies, on Monday sat together to chalk out strategies to curb the price rise and finally blamed the ‘climate’ for the low production resulting in the price hike.
“Potato production has declined as weather remains hot. Potato is vulnerable to climatic changes where high humidity has affected the production,” said Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy after chairing the coordination meeting.
Cooperation Minister Damodar Rout, who was blaming bureaucrats for their callousness resulting in the rise in the price of potato, this time too held the climate responsible for the price rise.
“Every possible measure is being taken to curb the rising price of the tuber. Due to adverse climate, there is a drop in potato production in the State and also in West Bengal. Due to the drop in production, the price of the commodity has risen,” said Rout.
Reiterating his earlier statements, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Dasburma said all district Collectors have been asked to conduct raids on hoarders and to maintain a balance between the wholesale and retail prices of potato.