Potato Traders in West Bengal Call Off Strike

Kolkata- The West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders’ Association called off its indefinite strike on Tuesday evening after receiving assurances from the state government regarding the recent ban on potato exports. The decision comes after prices of popular potato varieties, such as ‘Jyoti’ and ‘Chandramukhi’, surged by nearly Rs 9 per kilogram in retail markets across the state, particularly in Kolkata.

Representatives from the association met with state government officials earlier in the day, leading to the announcement to end the strike. An association representative cited two reasons for the decision: the escalating potato prices impacting consumers, particularly those with lower and middle incomes, and assurances from Agriculture Minister Becharam Manna to address the export ban issue with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The state government had imposed the ban due to concerns over delayed potato sowing caused by prolonged rainfall this season. Consequently, the winter harvest, typically available by mid-December, is expected to reach the market by mid-January. To meet the state's internal demand until then, the government decided to temporarily ban potato exports.

Agriculture Minister Manna explained that the ban aims to ensure the availability of potatoes in the local market by utilizing the reserve stock in cold storage. The state Agriculture Minister assured that if the strike was withdrawn, he would speak to the Chief Minister regarding the ban on potato exports to other states.