The prices of potatoes in Chhattisgarh are exasperating the common man. Generally potatoes were available between 20 to 25 rupees. But suddenly its price has gone up to Rs 45 to Rs 50. The reason for this is a decision of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In view of the low arrival of potatoes, West Bengal has disrupted the supply of potatoes to other states.
Actually, hill potatoes come to Chhattisgarh from West Bengal. Whereas the price of Gola and Pahari potatoes coming from Uttar Pradesh is slightly less. It is being sold at Rs 40 per kg. But its demand remains very less.
Potato prices out of control in Chhattisgarh
Every day about 50 trucks of potatoes arrive in Chhattisgarh, that is, about thousand to 1500 tonnes. But at present half of the potatoes are reaching Chhattisgarh. Potato is considered the king of every vegetable. Generally, in normal times, potatoes are sold at Rs 5 to 10 per kg in wholesale, and at Rs 15 to 20 per kg in the retail market. Many times, due to heavy arrivals and high production, the price of potatoes in the retail market falls by Rs 8 to 10 per kg. After the season, the price of potatoes increases to Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg. But the price of potato rarely reaches Rs 40 to Rs 50. It is being said that the reason behind potatoes becoming expensive in Chhattisgarh is a decision of the West Bengal government.
Supply less from West Bengal
According to traders, the biggest reason for the skyrocketing price of potatoes at this time is that in most of the states of the country including Chhattisgarh, the arrival of hill potatoes comes from Bengal. For some time now, the West Bengal government has imposed some restrictions on the arrival of potatoes. The government wants the supply to be done within its own state first and then to be sent outside. Due to which the price of potatoes has skyrocketed. The price in the wholesale market of Raipur is Rs 30 to Rs 32, while in the retail market the price has become Rs 50 per kg.
Let us tell you, about 30 trucks of potatoes come daily from West Bengal to Raipur and other markets of the state. One truck holds 25 to 30 tonnes of potatoes. Similarly, about 20 trucks of Gola and Pahari potatoes coming from Uttar Pradesh arrive every day. At present only 10 trucks of potatoes are coming from Bengal. However, full arrival of potatoes continues from Uttar Pradesh. The rise in prices is due to less arrival of potatoes from West Bengal. Ajay Aggarwal, President of Wholesale Potato-Onion Traders Association, said that the price of potatoes has increased due to less arrival of potatoes coming from West Bengal. Prices will come down once arrivals become normal.