Potato traders in West Bengal have initiated an indefinite strike to protest against what they claim as harassment by the state government and local administrations when exporting the tuber to other states. This move by the Progressive Potato Traders’ Association (PPTA) is expected to impact the market dynamics significantly.
- The ongoing strike is anticipated to result in a surge in potato prices, which are already elevated, ranging from Rs 36-40 per kg based on the size and type of potato being traded.
- The PPTA alleges that trucks transporting potatoes to neighboring states are being unlawfully detained by the authorities, prompting their decision to go on strike.
- Despite the lack of government response, the senior PPTA official asserted that the strike will persist, emphasizing that the government lacks the authority to impede potato transportation under existing regulations.
- While the state administration has refrained from commenting on the strike, it is presumed that the government’s motive behind restricting potato exports is to regulate prices for consumers within West Bengal.
- The Cold Storage Association revealed that due to the strike, a shortage of buyers has led to potatoes remaining stocked in cold storage facilities, disrupting the usual flow of trade.
- The potatoes intended for export are primarily of a small-sized variety that is not commonly consumed in West Bengal but holds demand in neighboring states, adding complexity to the situation.
- Although the West Bengal Government previously instructed officials to address the high potato prices during a meeting with the agriculture task force, the implemented measures have not yielded the desired outcomes, contributing to the persistence of the traders’ strike.
