Odisha regularly procures potatoes from West Bengal, but the Bengal government has stopped supply of the commodity to control local price increase and meet local demand as a priority. This has caused a shortage of potatoes in Odisha. As an alternative the Odisha government has decided to procure potatoes from Uttar Pradesh. But the businessmen in Odisha are reluctant to supply potatoes sourced from UP, as the local community in Odisha prefers potatoes grown in west Bengal. According to Krushna Chandra Patra, the minister of consumer welfare and food supplies for Odisha, Efforts are underway to bring potato consignments in two trains and the matter is being discussed with the Railway Minister.
