Supply starts but disruption in chain keeps potato prices high at 40/kg
Times of India | 5 December 2024
123 Kolkata: Potato traders may have withdrawn their strike but disruptions in the supply chain failed to cool down the prices on Wednesday, when the popular ‘Jyoti' variety continued to sell for Rs 40 a kg.
Several markets across Kolkata reported dearth of supply, as porters' reportedly refused to work at distribution hubs. The porters, who handle the loading and unloading of potatoes, stalled work, demanding higher wages, citing the traders' alleged "windfall profits".
"Whatever leftover stock we had was sold at Rs 40/kg. Prices may ease only if the supply normalises," said Sujit Ghosh, a retailer at Behala Old Market. Consumers continued to be at the receiving end. Gourab Das, a resident of Barisha, expressed frustration: "After the strike ended, we expected prices to drop. Instead, potatoes are still being sold at Rs 40/kg. While I can wait for a few days for prices to drop, many may not have the choice." The Progressive Potato Traders Association claimed the supply line issues were likely to be resolved by Thursday.
To address the potato shortage and price surge, agriculture minister Becharam Manna ramped up efforts to curb smuggling and hoarding. Recently, he conducted inspections in Dantan, West Midnapore, near the Bengal-Odisha border, where produce is stolen across the border. Similar visits are on the cards.
Manna stated that 843,294 metric tonnes of potatoes were sent out of Bengal between Sept 3 and Dec 2, with large quantities being smuggled into Bangladesh via Malda, South Dinajpur and Cooch Behar. He accused certain traders of orchestrating disruptions to pressure the state, alleging political links. "The state govt is committed to protecting public interests," said Manna. "We are prepared to take tough measures to ensure normalcy."
Investigations into potato stock at 40 cold storage units in West Midnapore, Burdwan, Bankura and Hooghly are currently underway.
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