The decision to launch the strike was made following a meeting between the Cold Storage Owners Association and potato traders. Lalu Mukhopadhyay, state secretary of the Potato Traders Association, confirmed the strike, highlighting the challenges traders faced due to the export restrictions.

The situation remains unchanged despite a meeting between state officials and potato traders to address the rising prices. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern over the price hike, and Minister of State for Agriculture Marketing Becharam Manna held discussions with stakeholders. While the minister aimed to cap prices at Rs 30 per kg, market rates have not decreased.

The government’s export ban has resulted in the seizure of potato trucks and legal action against drivers, further infuriating traders and cold storage owners. Shubojit Saha, state president of the Cold Storage Owners Association, expressed support for the strike, warning that the restrictions could harm farmers by reducing their income.

Minister Manna attributed the price hike to delayed potato cultivation due to natural calamities. He assured that the state’s potato stocks would last until the second week of January. However, traders argue that the export ban could exacerbate the price issue and hurt both farmers and consumers.

The West Bengal government on Monday directed a complete halt to the export of potatoes to other states and ordered that cold storages holding the potatoes be emptied. The government also made it clear that potato exports to other states will not be allowed until the state’s demands are met.

At the meeting with task force officials and traders, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant unequivocally stated that no potatoes would be sent to other states. Pant also expressed displeasure over the role the potato traders had played, which led to a steep rise in market prices.

Pant also directed the task force officials to inspect various markets to ensure that potatoes, onions, and other vegetables are not sold at high prices.