Wholesale traders in West Bengal have initiated a strike starting at midnight on Monday in response to the state government's ban on potato sales to other states. As a result, retail prices for potatoes have surged by two to nine rupees per kilogram in various markets across the state as of Tuesday.
The West Bengal Progressive Potato Businessmen's Committee has decided to continue the strike following an unsuccessful meeting with Agriculture Minister Becharam Manna. Cold storage operators have also expressed their support for the protest.
The government's ban prohibits the export of potatoes to other states and Bangladesh. The government said domestic demand should be met first. Last week, authorities halted several trucks loaded with potatoes at the border.
Strike may lead to further price increases for potatoes
The ongoing strike may lead to further price increases for potatoes. Minister Manna explained that continuous rains have delayed potato cultivation by 15 days this year, with harvest expected to be available only in January instead of the previously anticipated dates of December 20 to 25. He assured that the current stock in cold storage is adequate for 40 to 45 days, which is why the export ban was implemented.
Lalu Mukherjee, Secretary of the Potato Traders Association, stated that the strike will persist until the government lifts the ban on potato sales to other states.
Last year, West Bengal produced 63.58 lakh metric tons of potatoes; however, this year's production has dropped to 58.64 lakh metric tons due to adverse weather conditions.
Ban is expected to affect neighboring states
The government's export ban is expected to significantly affect neighboring states, particularly Jharkhand and Odisha, which rely heavily on West Bengal for their potato supply. Approximately 60 percent of Jharkhand's potato consumption is sourced from Bengal, while Odisha depends on the state for about four and a half thousand tons daily.
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