Nearly 100 Potato Trucks Stranded at Assam-West Bengal Border Amid Export Ban
Published: July 18, 2024, 16:03 IST
In a significant disruption, almost 100 trucks carrying potatoes have been immobilized at the Assam-West Bengal border near Dhubri since Tuesday evening. The standstill, enforced by West Bengal police at the Boxirhat Check Station near Chagolia, follows West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s directive to halt potato exports to Assam.
Sources indicate that the Chief Minister’s decision aims to prioritize local supply in West Bengal amidst escalating vegetable prices. This measure is intended to secure the state’s potato demand before permitting any exports. The prolonged detention of these trucks under hot weather conditions threatens the quality of tonnes of potatoes originating from various West Bengal regions, including Falakata, Cooch Behar, Dhupguri, and Mathabhanga.
Truck drivers and stakeholders are eagerly waiting for further official instructions to proceed with their shipments. One driver from Dhupguri, who had arrived at around 6 pm on Tuesday, mentioned that despite fulfilling all formalities, including vehicle checks and paying the challan, they were not allowed to proceed. "We didn’t know that potato export had been stopped. All the vehicles stranded should be let go," he stated.
The scenario underscores the larger agricultural dynamics between the states. A report by The Sentinel highlights that Assam’s potato production stands at around 11 lakh tonnes, whereas its annual demand exceeds 40 lakh tonnes. Consequently, Assam relies heavily on imports from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and a minor supply from Meghalaya, costing the state approximately Rs 4,500 crore annually.
Authorities are yet to provide a clear directive, leaving the stranded truck drivers and traders in a state of uncertainty while the threat of spoilage looms over the perishable cargo.
Original Story https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/assam/assam-soon-potatoes-might-go-missing-from-your-plate/
Category : Assam,Top News,Northeast Live,Potatoes,West Bengal
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