West Bengal Potato Traders Call Off Strike After Government Commitment

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West Bengal Potato Traders Call Off Strike After Government Commitment

Kolkata, Dec 3 (NationPress) The West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders’ Association announced the conclusion of their strike on Tuesday evening, following assurances from the state government aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict regarding the ban on potato exports to other states.

On the same day, the prices of the two widely consumed potato varieties, ‘Jyoti’ and ‘Chandramukhi’, surged by nearly Rs 9 per kilogram across various retail markets in the state, particularly in Kolkata.

Subsequently, representatives from the state government held discussions with the association members, which led to the decision to halt the indefinite strike.

A representative from the association stated that the choice to end the strike was influenced by two key factors.

“First, the escalating prices of potatoes in retail markets have begun to create hardships for the general populace, particularly those belonging to lower and middle-income groups. Secondly, State Agriculture Minister Becharam Manna has promised that if we call off the strike, he will discuss the issue of the export ban with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,” he remarked.

He further indicated that, based on this assurance, they have opted to pause the strike for now.

However, the state government implemented the export ban due to the extended rainfall this season, which significantly delayed the sowing of fresh potatoes.

“As a result, the winter crop, which typically reaches the market by mid-December, will now likely be available around mid-January. Until then, the state’s demand will need to be satisfied using reserve stocks from cold storage. Therefore, the government decided to impose a temporary ban on potato exports to other states,” stated the Agriculture Minister.