The retail price of potato increased in Jharkhand by Rs 5 per kg over the past two days. The reason behind the price rise was the restriction on potato supply from West Bengal according to an official. The restrictions on interstate supply was aimed to maintain the stock and keep the price of potatoes under control, by the West Bengal Government.
West Bengal typically meets 60 per cent of the state’s demand year-round. As a result the halt in supply has adversely impacted prices.
According to Abhishek Anand, Secretary of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) in Jamshedpur, around 50-55 trucks, each carrying 20-22 tonnes of potatoes, typically arrive in Jharkhand from West Bengal. However, these trucks have been halted at Bengal check posts since Thursday, leading to a rise in potato prices in both wholesale and retail markets.
The disruption, coupled with a delayed local potato harvest, has worsened the price hike. Local production, usually a key source, has been delayed by a month, exacerbating the situation. While supply from other states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh continues, it has not been enough to meet the growing demand.
BJP President of Jharkhand, Babulal Marandi, has called on the state government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, to engage in discussions with West Bengal’s government to resolve the issue, citing the strain on the people already grappling with rising food prices.
In response, Bibhas Kumar Dey, former president of the West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders Association (WBPPTA), confirmed that West Bengal police have increased border checks to prevent potato exports, leading to the return of numerous trucks since Wednesday evening. The move has caused significant losses for traders, and a meeting is set to take place to address the issue.
Meanwhile, in Ranchi’s retail market, the price of Bengal potatoes has surged from Rs 32-35 per kg to Rs 35-40 per kg, depending on quality. In Dhanbad, prices have also risen to around Rs 35 per kg, with traders now sourcing potatoes from Uttar Pradesh due to the West Bengal restrictions.
Marandi has expressed concern about the impact of the price hike on inflation in Jharkhand, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention from the state government. He has urged Chief Minister Soren to reach out to West Bengal’s leadership to ensure an uninterrupted potato supply and provide relief to consumers.
(With PTI Inputs)