West Bengal has been grappling with a potato crisis, sparked by the state government's recent decision to re-impose restrictions on selling potatoes to neighboring states. This move, aimed at controlling local prices, has led to widespread protests from potato traders and concerns from neighboring states.

Trader's Protest and Supply Disruptions

Potato traders in West Bengal have threatened to go on strike from Tuesday, December 3, if the government doesn't lift the restrictions. They argue that such abrupt measures disrupt their businesses and lead to significant losses. The intensified surveillance at inter-state borders has resulted in several trucks being stranded, further exacerbating the supply chain disruptions.

This comes as the West Bengal government has imposed a complete ban on potato exports to other states. They have ordered that all potatoes stored in cold storage facilities be sold within the state. The government has made it clear that the export ban will remain in place until their demands are met.

The Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, held a meeting with officials and traders to discuss the matter. He emphasized that no potatoes will be allowed to leave the state. Pant also expressed dissatisfaction with the role of potato traders, who he believes contributed to the significant price increase.

To ensure fair pricing, the government has directed officials to inspect various markets and prevent the overpricing of potatoes, onions, and other vegetables.

Price Rise and Consumer Impact

Despite the wholesale price of potatoes in Kolkata being Rs 27 per kg, retail prices have surged to Rs 35-40 per kg. This price hike has not only affected consumers in West Bengal but also in neighboring states like Odisha and Jharkhand, which heavily rely on West Bengal for their potato supply.

Political Tensions and Cross-Border Implications

The potato crisis has also escalated into a political issue. Odisha's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, accused the West Bengal government of playing politics over the supply of potatoes. He suggested that Odisha could retaliate by restricting the supply of other goods to West Bengal.

Jharkhand has also faced the brunt of the restrictions, with potato prices rising by Rs 5 per kg. The state's BJP president, Babulal Marandi, urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to intervene and resolve the issue.

Government's Response and Storage Extension

To address the issue of unsold potatoes, the West Bengal Agricultural Marketing Board has extended the storage period in cold storage by one month, until the end of the year. However, with approximately 6.5 lakh tons of potatoes still unsold, the long-term solution remains elusive.

The potato crisis in West Bengal highlights the delicate balance between local interests and regional cooperation. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the state government will address the concerns of traders and consumers while ensuring a stable supply of potatoes to both domestic and neighboring markets.