Odisha’s Growing Potato Crisis
The ongoing potato shortage in Odisha has ignited a significant political controversy, primarily attributed to supply restrictions imposed by neighboring West Bengal. This shortage has led to severe price hikes and political maneuvering as both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the chief Opposition, Biju Janata Dal (BJD), vie for public support.
On Friday, Naveen Patnaik, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister of Odisha, addressed a formal request to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Patnaik’s letter highlighted the exacerbation of the potato shortage due to recent rains, which has resulted in an artificial price surge, thereby increasing the burden on the common populace.
Political Maneuvering Amidst Supply Disruptions
In a bid to address the crisis, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi met with his West Bengal counterpart during a NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi. Majhi sought Banerjee’s immediate intervention to rectify the supply issues. This meeting underscored the urgent need for resolution as the shortage has significantly impacted potato availability and pricing in Odisha.
West Bengal, known for its substantial potato production—contributing 23.51% of the national total in 2021-22—ranks second only to Uttar Pradesh. This makes it a crucial supplier to neighboring states like Odisha, which depends heavily on West Bengal for its potato supply. Odisha produces less than 3 lakh metric tons (MT) of potatoes annually against its requirement of over 13 lakh MT, making it reliant on external sources for the bulk of its potato needs.
Impact of Supply Restrictions and Price Surge
The potato supply issue in Odisha has been aggravated by an indefinite strike by traders in West Bengal, protesting alleged mistreatment by local authorities. This strike, which began on July 21, disrupted the supply chain and caused a noticeable drop in potato availability. Consequently, West Bengal has implemented restrictions on potato exports to other states since July 23 in an attempt to manage the local supply crisis.
The restrictions have led to a substantial increase in potato prices in Odisha. Despite state government efforts to cap prices at Rs 32 per kilogram, retail prices have surged to between Rs 50-55 per kilogram. This spike has added financial strain on consumers and intensified the political debate surrounding the crisis.
Government Response and Future Prospects
Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, has reported that efforts are underway to resolve the supply disruption. According to Patra, communication between officials from both states is ongoing to restore normal supply levels. The minister indicated that while the situation is expected to normalize in a day or two, contingency plans are in place, including potential sourcing from Uttar Pradesh if necessary.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Odisha government is revisiting its Potato Mission initiated in April 2015, aimed at increasing local cultivation and enhancing storage and distribution infrastructure. However, the mission has faced challenges, primarily due to inadequate storage facilities. Despite efforts to cultivate potatoes in regions like Koraput and Kandhamal, farmers often encounter distress sales due to insufficient storage capacity.
Currently, out of 133 cold storage facilities in the state, only 36 are operational, highlighting the critical need for improved infrastructure to support local production and mitigate future shortages.
Summary
The potato shortage in Odisha, triggered by supply restrictions from West Bengal and exacerbated by local trader strikes, has led to increased prices and political tensions. Both state governments are engaged in resolving the crisis, with Odisha exploring alternative sources and revisiting its Potato Mission to address long-term supply issues.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Odisha’s Potato Crisis | Caused by supply restrictions and local trader strikes |
| Political Impact | Intensified debate between ruling BJP and Opposition BJD |
| Supply Disruptions | West Bengal’s embargo and strike impact on Odisha’s supply |
| Price Surge | Retail prices in Odisha have soared to Rs 50-55/kg |
| Government Measures | Efforts to restore supply and revisit Potato Mission |
| Storage Issues | Only 36 out of 133 cold storage facilities operational |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
