Potato crisis in West Bengal; suppliers, cold storage owners fear huge losses

The move was reportedly made by the Bengal government to curb down the high prices of potatoes in the State. Potato prices in Kolkata had reached ₹40

Kolkata

The West Bengal government has stopped trucks filled with potatoes at the West Bengal-Odisha border for over two days with all trucks being asked to return to Bengal on July 26.

The move was reportedly made by the Bengal government to curb down the high prices of potatoes in the State. Potato prices in Kolkata had reached ₹40, said Kamal Dey, Koley market potato dealer in Kolkata. He claimed that after the ban on sale outside the State, the price has come down to ₹32.

Customers in the city were happy with the drop in prices of potatoes, which remains a household staple for most. A regular customer at Jadavpur Market in South Kolkata, Soumen Dutta said, “We are a family of six, and potatoes are the cheapest vegetable in the market now. It is a relief that the prices have gone down a little. But ideally at this time of the year it is never more than ₹20. I hope the prices drop even further.”

The ban on out-of-State supply was highly criticised by potato wholesalers and cold storage owners as they count huge losses amid this unforeseen move.

Mr. Dilip Pratihar, secretary, Pragatishil Alu Byabsayee Samiti, said that as per the current inflation rates the price of potatoes are normal and he saw no valid reason behind stopping their supply to Odisha. Mr. Pratihar told The Hindu, “We spend approximately ₹four lakhs behind every potato truck. It includes packing, labour cost, and fuel. We will never be able to recover this amount of money if trucks are returned to West Bengal.”

The secretary also pointed out, “70% of the aloo that Bengal produces is supplied to other States every single year. That is how the business works; that is how we plan production. There is no shortage in our State. The suppliers and aloo farmers will die of starvation if we cannot sell the excess produce outside.”