In Siliguri, the escalation of potato prices has led to financial strain on residents. The issue, acknowledged by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, prompted Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh to investigate the situation firsthand. During a visit to Bidhan Market, Ghosh engaged with both buyers and sellers to gauge the market dynamics. Post-visit, he reflected on Banerjee's warning and observed a reduction in potato and onion purchases, alongside a notable absence of state-supplied potatoes, prompting queries about their distribution.
Market vendors attributed the inflated prices to the cost of new potatoes imported from Bhutan, which are retailing at approximately $0.85 - $0.91 per kilo, in contrast to the locally sourced Dhupguri potatoes, which are available at wholesale for about $0.34 per kilo and retail at around $0.43 per kilo. Consumers expressed concerns over the affordability of potatoes, highlighting a significant price increase from the previous year and the resultant impact on their ability to purchase basic food items.
Source: Siliguri Times