After the announcement of government officials of the West Bengal government to ban the export of potatoes as well as onions Odisha has seen a rise in prices for potatoes. The move comes in the aftermath of the reduced production of potato within West Bengal, leading to an increase in the availability of potatoes to neighboring Odisha that relies heavily in imports of West Bengal. Following the announcement, prices climbing to $0.48 per kilogram in Barabati market in Jajpur district. Onions were costing around $0.66 per kilogram, which caused some consumers to be concerned.

In the wake of the ban several truck loaded with potatoes were reported to be stranded in Belda, West Bengal. According to the West Bengal government attributes this export restrictions to the lower yield this year. The goal is to ensure stability in the market prior to the onset of the harvest season begins during the months of January and February. This isn’t the first time that this has happened in the situation. A similar increase in prices occurred during August when exports had been prior to being banned. This pushed prices as high as $0.72 per kilogram.

Source: Kalinga TV