Assam: Soon Potatoes Might Go Missing from your Plate
First Published: 18th July, 2024 16:03 IST
Nearly 100 potato trucks are stranded at the Assam-West Bengal border due to an export ban by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
Nearly 100 trucks loaded with potatoes have been stopped at the Assam-West Bengal border near Dhubri since Tuesday evening due to a blockade enforced by West Bengal police at the Boxirhat Check Station near Chagolia. The disruption follows a recent directive by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to halt potato exports to Assam.
Sources revealed that the Chief Minister’s ban aims to prioritize local supply amidst rising vegetable prices within West Bengal. The move is intended to ensure the state’s potato demand is met before allowing shipments to cross the state’s borders.
The prolonged wait in hot weather puts tonnes of potatoes at risk of rotting. These potatoes come from various areas of West Bengal, primarily Falakata, Cooch Behar, Dhupguri, and Mathabhanga.
Truck drivers and stakeholders are awaiting further directives from authorities to resume the shipment of potatoes. One driver from Dhupguri said, “We arrived yesterday at around 6 pm. We paid the challan for the potatoes, and they checked our vehicle. Several vehicles were stranded by then. We asked the police why we were stopped, and they said even they don’t know and would let us go if they get orders from above. We didn’t know that potato export had been stopped. All the vehicles stranded should be let go.”
According to a report by The Sentinel, “The production of potatoes in Assam is around 11 lakh tonnes. The bulk of the potato comes to Assam from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, besides a meagre quantity from Meghalaya. Potato import costs the state around Rs 4,500 crore annually. According to estimation, the annual demand for potatoes in Assam is around 40 lakh tonnes.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live 9-Year-Old Girl Found Murdered Inside Relief Camp in Churachandpur
21st March 2025
Live NIT Silchar Asst Professor Suspended After Molestation Allegations Spark Campus Protests
21st March 2025
Live 2 Suspected Cadres of Manipur Based KCP Arrested in Guwahati
21st March 2025
Live 9-Year-Old Girl Found Murdered Inside Relief Camp in Churachandpur
21st March 2025
WE RECOMMEND
NIT Silchar Asst Professor Suspended After Molestation Allegations Spark Campus Protests
The protests intensified, with students demanding a transparent and swift investigation.
21st March 2025
Surprise: Guwahati to Now Host 3 IPL 2025 Matches. Riyan Parag to Captain RR in 2 Matches in Front of His Home Crowd. Check Details
Riyan Parag's debut will take place on March 23 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad. Then he will be leading RR in 2 matches in Guwahati
21st March 2025
Shops in THESE Assam Cities to Stay Open 24/7. Will Wine Shops be Open Too? Check Details Here
Despite the relaxed rules, liquor shops and bars will not be allowed to operate beyond current hours
21st March 2025
Meet Assam’s Para-Cyclist Rakesh Banik, Who Will Cross 6 Countries, Cover 9,000 Kms From Moscow to Guwahati To Create Awareness About Assam
As he gears up for this remarkable adventure, the entire nation, especially the Northeast, takes pride in his achievement.
20th March 2025
North-East Festival 3.0 at IIT Kharagpur Showcases Northeast’s Culture, Tourism, and Innovation
The North-East Festival 3.0 provided a vibrant platform to highlight the Northeast’s traditions, foster cross-cultural dialogue
20th March 2025