Odisha to Procure Potatoes from Uttar Pradesh via NAFED

In a bid to address the ongoing potato shortage, the Odisha government has decided to procure potatoes from Uttar Pradesh through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED). This move aims to alleviate the tuber crisis affecting the eastern state and ensure a steady supply to consumers.
K C Patra, Odisha’s Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister, announced that the government plans to offer potatoes at a subsidized rate of Rs 30 per kilogram. This decision comes as a response to the severe potato shortage in Odisha, which has been exacerbated by neighboring West Bengal halting transportation of the tuber and local traders rejecting potatoes from Uttar Pradesh due to consumer preferences.
The procurement through NAFED is intended to stabilize the supply chain and address the demand-supply gap caused by the recent disruptions. By securing potatoes from Uttar Pradesh, the Odisha government aims to ensure that consumers have access to this essential staple at an affordable price.
The potato crisis in Odisha highlights the challenges faced in maintaining a stable supply of key agricultural products and the need for coordinated efforts to manage such shortages effectively. The government’s intervention through NAFED is a crucial step in mitigating the impact of this supply disruption on the state’s consumers.