look news india
Mumbai: In view of the high price of potatoes, the government is considering allowing its import from Bhutan. As a result of low production, potato prices are likely to remain high for a long time. Government sources said that apart from Bhutan, import options are also being explored from other countries.
Traders will soon be allowed to import potatoes in small quantities. Weather problems in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh have affected production, leading to a rise in prices.
Overall retail inflation in the country remains high due to high prices of vegetables. Apart from potatoes, prices of onions and tomatoes are also troubling consumers.
It is believed that farmers and traders are holding back the goods in anticipation of further increase in prices in the coming months. Potato production in the current year is estimated to be 58.9 million tonnes, which was 60.1 million tonnes last year.
Due to heat, vegetable production in the country is getting affected.
Last year, the government allowed the import of potatoes from Bhutan without a license till June 2024. India is the second largest potato producing country in the world. The first is China.