Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Minister Reviews Potato Supply with Traders' Association

Dispur, August 9: In response to ongoing concerns about the restricted movement of potato and onion imports into Assam and the North Eastern region, the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, convened a meeting today in Guwahati with representatives of the Potato Traders’ Association.

The meeting comes after the Chief Secretary of Assam raised the issue with the Managing Director of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) on July 20, 2024, and with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. The Chief Secretary urged the concerned authorities to take remedial measures to ensure a continuous supply of potatoes to the region.

Following these efforts, the Secretary of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution requested NAFED to assist in improving the supply of essential goods in Assam. NAFED is currently working on a mechanism in consultation with the State Government to enhance the supply of potatoes, onions, and other essential commodities.

Additionally, the Chief Secretary of Assam has engaged with the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, seeking local administrative intervention to facilitate the free flow of essential commodities to and from Assam and the North Eastern region via West Bengal.

During today’s review meeting, representatives of the Potato Traders’ Association informed the Minister about the current wholesale and retail rates of potatoes. They reported that potatoes sourced from West Bengal are being sold at a wholesale rate of Rs 27 per kilogram, while those from Uttar Pradesh are priced at Rs 32 per kilogram. The retail price stands at Rs 40 per kilogram.

The stakeholders assured the Minister that there is sufficient supply and stock of potatoes to meet the current demand across Assam. The State Government, in collaboration with NAFED and bulk suppliers, continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure that potato prices remain reasonable for consumers across Assam and the North Eastern region.