The Odisha government has announced a plan to tackle the ongoing potato shortage by procuring the tubers from Uttar Pradesh through NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd). Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister K.C. Patra confirmed that potatoes will be sold to consumers at Rs 30 per kg.

Odisha has been grappling with a severe potato crisis after neighboring West Bengal halted its supply and traders in Odisha rejected the variety available from Uttar Pradesh, claiming it was unpopular among consumers. As a result, potato prices surged to Rs 60 per kg in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on Thursday.

Minister Patra stated that the state government has initiated an order with NAFED for 300 metric tons of potatoes in the first phase. These potatoes are expected to reach Odisha by next weekend. Initially, the supply will be distributed through government retail shops in major cities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur.

To ensure smooth distribution and availability, the minister has instructed officials to take all necessary measures for the hassle-free sale of potatoes.

Meanwhile, Odisha has launched its first ‘Rice ATM’ in Bhubaneswar, designed to provide rice to ration card holders, announced Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare. Located in the Mancheswar area of Bhubaneswar, this new facility allows beneficiaries to access 25 kg of rice from the machine

Odisha Opens First ‘Rice ATM’ in Bhubaneswar to Aid Ration Card Holders

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