West Bengal Potato Traders End Strike, Market Supply to Resume

The indefinite strike by potato traders in West Bengal ended on Wednesday, ensuring the availability of potatoes in markets starting July 25. The strike, initiated to protest alleged harassment by the state government, lasted from July 21. The state had planned alternative measures to maintain supply and control prices.

The indefinite strike by potato traders in West Bengal was called off on Wednesday, enabling the tuber's availability in markets by July 25, Agriculture Marketing Minister Becharam Manna announced.

The strike, which began on July 21 to protest against alleged harassment by the state government and local administrations in exporting the tuber to other states, had disrupted supply chains.

To counter the strike's impact, the West Bengal government had decided to engage self-help groups (SHGs) to sell potatoes at affordable prices. However, this measure might not be rigorously implemented since the strike has been resolved.

“The strike by potato traders has been withdrawn, and they have assured the government to help reduce prices of the tuber in the local market before exporting to other states,” Manna said. According to him, cold storage facilities and traders have agreed to supply potatoes at Rs 26 per kg at the cold storage level, bringing the price close to Rs 30 per kg for the non-premium Jyoti variety.

To maintain a steady supply during the strike, the government had planned to use SHGs alongside the government's Sufal Bangla network, which operates nearly 500 fixed or mobile sales points. The government also prepared to utilize a 20 percent quota of potatoes in cold storage.

Notably, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had instructed officials to control vegetable prices, including potatoes. State task forces have been conducting raids to prevent hoarding. The strike had caused retail prices to spike to between Rs 40 and Rs 45 per kilogram.

Progressive Potato Traders' Association secretary Lalu Mukherjee confirmed the strike's withdrawal, stating that the agriculture marketing minister assured an amicable solution on behalf of the state government. He mentioned that traders are not against selling potatoes at affordable rates.

“We are exporting particular sizes of potatoes not consumed locally. We will not stop exports if the state buys potatoes at Rs 26 per kg without sorting and grading,” he added.