West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is facing criticism for her decision to block potato exports to Odisha, even though her state has a surplus. Traders have accused her government of causing losses, as hundreds of potato trucks remain stranded at the Odisha border. This move has sparked protests among West Bengal’s cold storage owners and wholesalers, who have called for a strike starting next Tuesday.
According to the traders, West Bengal currently has around 7 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes in cold storage, far exceeding the state’s 5 lakh metric tonnes requirement. Despite this, the government has stopped exports, leading to fears of wastage. Traders have failed to remove potatoes from cold storage within the last 30 days due to the export ban, leaving them unable to sell the excess stock.
The potato crisis has hit Odisha hard, driving prices up to Rs 50 per kilogram. Over the past three days, West Bengal authorities have stopped hundreds of potato trucks at key border points like Belda, Danton, and Sonakonia canals, enforcing strict patrols to block their movement. This delay has disrupted supply in Odisha, leaving traders and consumers worried.
The protests in West Bengal may worsen Odisha’s potato shortage. With reduced truck arrivals, haat markets across the state are feeling the pinch. Meanwhile, inspections and patrols in West Medinipur district are ensuring that no potatoes cross into Odisha, further straining the supply chain.