Kolkata/Bhubaneswar, December 2: Potato prices are expected to rise as potato traders in West Bengal have decided to go on an indefinite strike starting Tuesday. This decision follows an unsuccessful meeting with state Agriculture Minister Becharam Manna, where the traders' concerns were not addressed.
The West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders’ Association, which has organized the strike, announced that they would continue with their protest since the minister could not provide a clear timeline for lifting the state's restrictions on potato exports to other states.
As of now, there has been no indication from the state government regarding when these restrictions will be lifted.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated in the Assembly that her government would not allow the export of potatoes and onions to other states until internal demands are fully met.
With the traders' decision to proceed with the strike, there are growing concerns that the prices of this essential vegetable in West Bengal and the neighboring state of Odisha could soar even higher in the coming days.
The situation in Odisha has been particularly severe due to disruptions in the supply chain from West Bengal. Potato prices there have already surpassed Rs 60 per kilogram, causing widespread political concern.
