Bengal Potato Traders Announce Statewide Strike From Tuesday As Talks With Govt Collapse

In response, potato traders have announced a state-wide strike starting Tuesday to protest the government's limitations on exporting potatoes to other states to stabilise local market prices

The state government has warned that strict action will be taken against traders found selling potatoes at inflated prices

Source : PTI

Discussions between potato traders and the West Bengal government on Monday failed to break the deadlock over the state's restrictions on selling potatoes outside its borders, with both sides standing firm in their positions, according to stakeholders, reported PTI.

In response, potato traders have announced a state-wide strike starting Tuesday to protest the government's limitations on exporting potatoes to other states—a move intended to stabilise local market prices.

The West Bengal government recently reinstated export restrictions as local potato prices soared to Rs 35-40 per kg. Despite the government's appeals, officials from the Progressive Potato Traders' Association have confirmed that they will go ahead with the strike.

Agriculture Marketing Minister Becharam Manna told PTI, "We urged traders to first call off the strike. The government is open to discussions on their demands, but they remained adamant." Manna defended the export curbs, saying, "How can we allow exports when our people are struggling with high prices?" He accused certain groups of "conspiring to create an artificial scarcity to destabilise the state's markets."

As per the report, officials alleged that certain business groups were trying to "smuggle potatoes into Bangladesh" through border districts such as Mothabari in Malda, Hili in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Changrabandha in Cooch Behar. "Opposition traders, under the guise of a strike, are trying to create chaos for the people of the state," Manna alleged.

According to officials, the state government has ramped up monitoring and implemented stricter measures in response to the escalating crisis. They stated that potato stocks in 40 cold storage facilities across the Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, and Hooghly districts are currently under review.

Since July, potatoes have been sold at subsidised rates—Rs 26 per kilogram in Kolkata's ration shops and Rs 28 per kilogram in other districts.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a partnership with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other agencies to procure additional potatoes and mitigate potential shortages. "If there is a surplus, exports will be allowed. Otherwise, potatoes must remain within the state to ensure price stability," an official said.

Officials said the state government has deployed its Price Monitoring and Enforcement Branch to combat hoarding. A few traders have been accused of hoarding potatoes and inflating prices to Rs 1,000 per quintal in anticipation of increased demand.

While West Bengal produced 63.58 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes in 2024 due to natural disasters, production fell to 58.64 lakh metric tonnes in 2024, creating a shortfall of 4.5 lakh metric tonnes, according to government data. The state's daily consumption is around 15,000 metric tonnes, with 5,000 metric tonnes supplied to Kolkata.

Another official added that 6.2 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes are currently stored in cold storage. Farmers were selling potatoes at Rs 650 per quintal, but traders have raised prices to Rs 1,000-1,070 per quintal, capitalising on the scarcity to maximise profits, claimed Manna.

The state government has warned that strict action will be taken against traders found selling potatoes at inflated prices. Meanwhile, steps are being taken to ensure potatoes remain affordable in local markets and fair-price shops throughout the city.