BHUBANESWAR: In response to potato prices soaring to Rs 50 per kilogram due to “inadequate” supply from neighboring West Bengal, the Odisha government announced on Friday that it is considering procuring the tuber from Uttar Pradesh.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra made this statement after reviewing the market situation. During his visit to a potato stockyard at Aiginia in Bhubaneswar, the minister noted that the state currently has enough potato stock to meet demand for the next seven days.

Despite this, the minister acknowledged the unusual price hike and directed officials to take stern action against hoarders and vendors selling potatoes at inflated prices.