Odisha Begins Potato Procurement from Uttar Pradesh to Address Supply Crisis

BHUBANESWAR: In a strategic move to reduce its dependency on neighboring West Bengal for potato supplies, the Odisha government has commenced procuring the tuber from Uttar Pradesh. The first consignment from the northern state arrived in Odisha on Thursday, marking the beginning of a new supply chain initiative.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra confirmed the arrival of the initial shipment and stated that more supplies are expected in the coming days. This initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to address the ongoing potato crisis and ensure a stable supply of the essential commodity for its residents.

“By diversifying our potato procurement sources, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single state and ensure that our people have a consistent supply of potatoes,” Minister Patra said in a statement.

The decision to source potatoes from Uttar Pradesh comes in response to fluctuating supply and prices from West Bengal, which has traditionally been Odisha’s primary source for potatoes. This move is expected to stabilize the market and provide relief to consumers facing shortages and price hikes.

The state government is committed to solving the potato crisis and is exploring various measures to enhance food security and support local demand. This procurement strategy is a significant step in that direction, aiming to build a more resilient supply chain for essential food items.