In an effort to reduce reliance on West Bengal and other states for potato supply, which often leads to market scarcity and elevated prices, Odisha's BJP government has taken steps to rejuvenate the State Potato Mission for achieving self-sufficiency in tuber production. The initiative, originally launched a decade ago by the BJD government, did not succeed due to a combination of factors including the lack of farmer incentives and inadequate cold storage infrastructure within the state.
The government has instructed the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC) to acquire 1.87 lakh quintals of certified potato seeds, with orders already placed with esteemed traders from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for 1.77 lakh quintals. Horticulture director Nikhil Pawan Kalyan verified the quality of seeds, selected through a tender process, during visits to these states.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced that 1.77 lakh quintals of potato seeds are ready for distribution starting October 14, aiming to cultivate potatoes across 14,423 hectares in the rabi season. The plan includes expanding cultivation areas following the construction of cold storages in all sub-divisions, with a commitment to build 58 cold storages announced.
Patra criticized the previous government's implementation of the potato mission, noting its failure to encourage farmers toward commercial potato cultivation due to the absence of cold storage facilities. Additionally, he lauded the central government's decision to provide free fortified rice until 2028, mentioning that the state will also offer free rice to those not covered under the National Food Security Act, pending e-KYC verification of ration cards.
Source: The Indian Express