The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the West Bengal government to take necessary measures to ensure normalisation of potato supply to Odisha within eight weeks.
The NHRC, while disposing of a petition filed by Odisha-based human right activist Akhand, directed West Bengal chief secretary to take appropriate steps to normalise the supply of potato to the state.
Akhand, in his petition, had alleged that restrictions imposed by West Bengal on supply of potato to Odisha in August had resulted in a steep rise in prices. The petitioner said Odisha faces a shortfall of 7.11 lakh tonne of potato per annum as state?s total production was 2.01 lakh tonne against a requirement of 9.12 lakh tonne. Therefore, the state is dependent on imports from neighbouring states.
While West Bengal produced nearly 95 lakh tonne of potato this year, Akhand said the state had a capacity to store 69 lakh tonne, with the remaining produce meant for the neighbouring states.
?…there should be no restrictions in the transport of potato to Odisha. However, the West Bengal government has deliberately put curbs on supply,? he said.