Odisha aims for self-sufficiency in potato production

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As a way to lessen dependence on West Bengal and other states to supply potatoes and, in turn, price increases and market shortages in Odisha, the BJP government has made steps to revitalize the State Potato Mission for achieving self-sufficiency for tuber production. This initiative was first initiated a decade ago under BJD government BJD government, failed to achieve its goals due to a variety of reasons, including the absence of incentives for farmers and the inadequacy of infrastructure for cold storage in the state.

The government has given that the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) to buy 1.87 lakh quintals of potato seeds that are certified and has placed orders with reputable traders in Punjab as well as Uttar Pradesh for 1.77 lakh quintals. Director of Horticulture Nikhil Pawan Kalyan confirmed the seeds’ quality chosen through the tender process on trips to the states.

Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has announced the availability of 1.77 lakh quintals worth of potato seeds are available for distribution beginning October 14, with the aim to plant potatoes on 1443 hectares during the season of rabi. This plan will see the expansion of zones of cultivation following the establishment of cold storage facilities in each sub-division. There is also the commitment of building the cold storages of 58 announced.

Patra has criticized the previous administration’s application of the potato plan for failure to motivate farmers towards commercial cultivation of potatoes due to a lack of cold storage infrastructure. In addition, he applauded the decision of the government to offer free rice fortified up to 2028. He also mentioned that the state would also provide free rice to people that aren’t covered by the National Food Security Act, subject to e-KYC verification for the ration card.

Source: The Indian Express

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