Keonjhar citizens witnessed a record price of potato exceeding Rs 100 per kg on Sunday. Small quantities of potatoes which arrived from Jharkhand in the Keonjhar market provided the highest-ever margin for the sellers who took advantage of the situation.
The poor and the middle classes are the worst sufferers as the prices of other vegetables have also increased. Cauliflower, brinjal, papaya, ladies finger, pumpkin and other vegetables are being sold at more than Rs 50 a kilo. “It is not what we should eat, but look at the possibility whether we can afford to eat anything,” remarked a local citizen in the market.
While the Government keeps assuring people that potatoes would soon be available in plenty, common man is worried whether the rising prices would ever subside.