Amidst soaring retail prices of potatoes in India, the West Bengal Cold Storage Association (WBCSA) has taken proactive steps to address the situation and stabilize the market. With potatoes currently being sold at Rs 37-40 per kg due to various factors like adverse climate conditions and production shortfalls, the WBCSA has proposed supplying potatoes to the state government at a reduced rate of Rs 26 per kg, aiming to alleviate the burden on consumers.The WBCSA’s initiative involves offering potatoes to the government at a subsidized price of Rs 26 per kg, with a minimum size requirement of 35mm, through the Sufal Bangla outlets. This move is seen as a significant effort to counter the high market prices and ensure a more affordable supply of this essential vegetable to the public. The association, particularly the Hooghly unit, is actively engaged in facilitating this process to bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Despite the availability of a substantial potato stock of 45 lakh tonnes in cold storage facilities, challenges such as the prevalence of small-size varieties and wastage have led to a practical usable amount that is 30% lower. The increased proportion of small-size potatoes compared to previous years, coupled with a national production deficit, has contributed to the price surge in the market.
The Agricultural Marketing Minister‘s efforts to make potatoes available at a reasonable rate through Sufal Bangla outlets, along with the expansion of these outlets, demonstrate a concerted approach to provide relief to consumers grappling with the escalating cost of essential food items. The involvement of the Agriculture Task Force and Enforcement Department in monitoring markets for hoarding and price manipulation underscores the government’s determination to ensure fair pricing and combat any practices that may exacerbate the existing price volatility. As stakeholders work towards restoring equilibrium in the potato market, the WBCSA’s intervention stands out as a vital strategy to mitigate the impact of rising potato prices on consumers in West Bengal and beyond.
