The West Bengal state government has decided to take stern action against hoarders of potato, now that its price has crossed Rs 22 in many markets. The price rise is unjustified as there is a stock of 15 lakh metric tonnes of potato in the state.
Though state finance minister Asim Dasgupta is monitoring the price of potatoes, he admitted that its cost was escalating fast and for that, he blamed the future trading of commodities. Dasgupta said he had written to the Centre about this and several Left organisations had opposed it, too.
Dasgupta explained that as the government was selling potatoes for Rs 13 a kg from 20 markets and 40 in the districts, some cold storage owners were hoarding them for future and so, the price was soaring. He added, however, that the price of potato was over Rs 20 throughout India. He feared that other essentials, like sugar, would also turn dearer soon.
The minister said the government would declare its strategy on how to provide relief to consumers on Tuesday. And, the enforcement department will raid cold storages where potato is stored.
Though state finance minister Asim Dasgupta is monitoring the price of potatoes, he admitted that its cost was escalating fast and for that, he blamed the future trading of commodities. Dasgupta said he had written to the Centre about this and several Left organisations had opposed it, too.
Dasgupta explained that as the government was selling potatoes for Rs 13 a kg from 20 markets and 40 in the districts, some cold storage owners were hoarding them for future and so, the price was soaring. He added, however, that the price of potato was over Rs 20 throughout India. He feared that other essentials, like sugar, would also turn dearer soon.
The minister said the government would declare its strategy on how to provide relief to consumers on Tuesday. And, the enforcement department will raid cold storages where potato is stored.
