Odisha Govt plans cold storage in every block amid soaring vegetable prices

Bhubaneswar: Amid steep rise in the prices of vegetables, the Odisha government on Monday said it is planning to set up cold storage facilities in every block of the state. This was stated by Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, who held a review meeting with senior officials to take stock of the market scenario.

Stating that onions are imported from Nashik and Andra Pradesh at Rs.2,953 per quintal, he said the price comes to Rs.29.53 before the addition of transportation cost and profit margin of wholesalers and retailers. After adding all these costs, the final selling price of onion in the market touches Rs.40 per kg, the Minister said.

The government is strictly monitoring illegal and unauthorised hoarding of vegetables and will take strict action against anyone found exploiting the consumers, he said.

Similarly, the price of potato has gone up in the state because of the increase of prices in West Bengal and Assam. Regarding the rising price of tomatoes and other vegetables in the state, the Minister said the government is trying to find a solution.

The problem can be addressed by opening cold storage facilities in every block of the state and the government will take necessary steps in this direction. “It will take time, but we are committed to doing it,” the Minister added.