Bhubaneswar: To provide potatoes at affordable prices, the state govt has decided to procure the tuber through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and supply them to the retail markets at Rs 30 per kg. In the first phase, 60 tonnes of potatoes, transported in three trucks, arrived in Bhubaneswar from Uttar Pradesh and are being sold across various locations in the city from Monday.
The potatoes are available at Rs 30 per kg at several govt-designated fair price shops, including a key distribution point in front of the Bhubaneswar additional district magistrate's office.
The initiative aims to provide relief to consumers and address the potato supply crisis in the state.
According to the food supplies and consumer welfare department, this move is expected to stabilise the potato market and ensure its availability to consumers at reasonable rates. After the potato supply was disrupted by the West Bengal govt last month, the prices of potatoes have not stabilised yet and are currently selling at Rs 40-45 in retail markets.
In the first phase, the potatoes will be distributed through govt retail outlets in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Jeypore, Balasore, Balangir, Sambalpur and Berhampur. Consumers in these cities can purchase the potatoes at the subsidised price of Rs 30 per kg, as stated by the department.
"This effort of the govt was much needed as potato prices are yet to stabilise in the markets. Potato being a kitchen staple, it is difficult for us to manage without it," said Kulamani Mohanty, a govt employee.
The state govt has formed an enforcement squad to conduct raids on traders who are selling potatoes at a price higher than the one fixed by the govt, official sources said.