Potato prices inch below 40/kg mark in Bengal amid supply deficit
Times of India | 6 December 2024
12 Kolkata: Potato prices in Kolkata saw a slight dip on Thursday, with the Jyoti variety selling at Rs 38 per kg and Chandramukhi at Rs 43 per kg. But supply chain issues continue to disrupt the market. Only 4 to 5 trucks carrying potatoes — each loaded with 3,000 bags (50 kg each) — arrived at the Posta Market, the city's largest potato unloading hub, on Thursday compared to the usual 15-16 trucks on a normal weekday.
"The persistent demand-supply gap is keeping prices elevated," said Chandan Chakraborty, president of the Posta Potato Vendors' Association. He blamed a section of traders for deliberately creating the gap to maximise profits.
"In the next 3 to 4 days, prices should plunge to Rs 27-28 per kg," predicted Kamal De, a member of the Bengal Market Task Force. "We visited several markets today (Thursday) and found potatoes being sold at Rs 34 per kg," he added.
At the wholesale level, prices also eased slightly, dropping from Rs1,700 per 50 kg bag on Wednesday to Rs 1,600 on Thursday. "Our stock is completely exhausted, and fresh supplies are expected tomorrow (Friday). But the wholesale price has been fluctuating," said Abhijit Saha, a wholesaler in Tollygunge.
For consumers, the high potato prices continue to strain household budgets. "We've significantly reduced potato consumption," said Brinda Nag, a homemaker from New Alipore.
Agriculture minister Becharam Manna defended the state govt's decision to restrict potato exports to the neighbouring states. "This year's cold storage intake was lower—58.84 lakh tonnes, compared to 63.58 lakh tonnes last year. With the delayed harvest, we must rely on current stocks until January to meet Bengal's demand. Restrictions are essential, but traders are blackmailing us. We will not yield," he asserted.
Bengal, India's second-largest potato producer after Uttar Pradesh, produces 90-100 lakh tonnes of potatoes annually, with a state consumption of around 60 lakh tonnes. The remaining stock is earmarked for cold storage or export to other states.
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