The deficit has sparked frustration among
consumers,
particularly directed towards West Bengal, the state's main potato supplier.
Protests emerged in Cuttack, where social organizations blockaded vehicles
carrying essentials to West Bengal.
The scarcity stems from West Bengal's decision to
halt potato exports to stabilize its market prices, following a 20% production
drop due to unseasonal rain. West Bengal, a key potato producer, contributes
23.51% to India's output. Conversely, Odisha, where the potato is a dietary
staple, produces merely 300,000 metric tons against a demand of over 1,3mln
metric tons, relying on imports for 90% of its needs.