June 24th 2024.
In a recent press conference, Krushna Chandra Patra, the Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare in Bhubaneswar, announced the government's plans to construct cold storage facilities in every block of Odisha. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the price of vegetables, as it will provide a means of controlling any sudden increases.
Patra acknowledged that this is a monumental task and will take some time to implement. However, he assured the public that the government is committed to seeing this project through. "We are determined to open cold storage facilities in every block of Odisha," Patra stated.
The minister went on to explain the current situation regarding the rising cost of onions. He revealed that the vegetable is being sourced from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh at a cost of Rs2,953 per quintal, which translates to Rs29.53 per kilogram. Additional costs such as transportation, wholesaler and retailer profits, are then added, resulting in the final price of Rs40 to 45 per kilogram.
Patra also reassured the public that the government is closely monitoring the market to prevent any illegal hoarding or storing of vegetables. "We will take strict action against anyone found guilty of exploiting consumers," Patra asserted.
When asked about the increase in potato prices, Patra clarified that this is not within the government's control. The rise in rates is due to the hike in rates in West Bengal and Assam, the two states that supply potatoes to Odisha.
The minister emphasized that the construction of cold storage facilities is the key to controlling the prices of all vegetables. "It may take some time, but we are committed to this project and will see it through," Patra stated confidently.
In response to queries about the rising prices of tomatoes and other vegetables, Patra explained that the government has limited control over these prices as they are dependent on other states for their supply. "As we have to source these products from other states, the prices may fluctuate," Patra clarified.
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