Odisha can procure potatoes from Punjab: Food Minister

New Delhi: The Odisha government is likely to procure potatoes from Punjab to improve supply and reduce prices. Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra told reporters that potato prices remained unchanged at Rs 45 per kg despite procurement from Uttar Pradesh. Potato prices have shot up in Odisha due to lack of adequate supply from neighbouring West Bengal.

“We are now procuring potatoes from Uttar Pradesh, if needed, we will also import from Punjab.”

Potato sales from both UP and West Bengal were ruling at Rs 40 per kg on Monday at Chhatar Bazar, a major wholesale market in Cuttack.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, during a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in New Delhi, had requested her to streamline the supply of potatoes to the state.