Govt to start talks with potato traders to end strike
Times of India | 24 July 2024
Kolkata: The state govt will start talks with the striking potato traders from Wednesday in an effort to end the ongoing strike by Progressive Potato Traders Association, which is threatening to push up potato prices in Kolkata and elsewhere.
The govt has decided to increase the number of Sufal Bangla stalls from 493 to 593, where potatoes are being sold at Rs 29 per kilogram.However, despite these efforts, the retail price of Jyoti variety has risen to Rs 36-37 per kilogram in some markets, with the majority selling it at Rs 35. The price of the Chandramukhi variety hasremained at Rs 40 per kilogram across the city.
After a meeting convened by Bengal chief secretary BP Gopalika, it was also decided that 20% potato stocks in the cold storages will now be kept aside for Self Help Groups. It has also been decided that the state will directly purchase potatoes from the cold storages at Rs 29 a kilogram and send it to the retail hubs in Gariahat, Posta and Burrabazar.
Agriculture marketing junior minister Becharam Manna said, “We are expecting a breakthrough tomorrow. If the traders do not end the strike, the govt will directly purchase potatoes from the farmers to maintain the supply line.”