Price rise of vegetables - how administrative action yielded results

There has been sudden rise in price of vegetables in the markets in the last few weeks. Rates of green chillies, potato, seasonal vegetables increased very high forcing administration to intervene. Three days enforcements in 30 odd major markets of Burdwan district has been quite successful and effective in lowering down the rates of potato from 16 to 12-13 rupees per kg, green chilies from Rs 150-160 per kg to 80-90 per kg, seasonal vegetables from Rs 40 per kg to Rs 20-25 per kg and rates of fishes, food grains are also reduced. Teams of food, police, agricultural marketing department under the leadership of Sdos/ Bdos conducted massive raids/ visits and could act effectively against hoarders, wholesalers and traders creating artificial supply shortage and speculation on prices. Take the example of potato. Jamalpur, Memari, Kalna and parts of Burdwan1 blocks are major producers and supplier of potato in Kolkata and other districts of West Bengal, besides Arambagh. There are Adatdars at Memari, Sure Kalna and Jamalpur who decides the wholesale rates of potato applicable to all tradings. The rate was Rs 1300 per quintal till Saturday, that could be lowered down to Rs 1180 to Rs 1220 per quintal in last three days after strong administrative interventions. It is hoped that the rates will further fall. Daily stock and release of potato from cold storages is being monitored to keep steady flow of potato to markets. Today, district dispatched more than 25 trucks potato to Kolkata markets and it is reported that rates reduced by Rs 2 per kg. Similarly, green chillies in stock could be released in the markets after raids at stocks of wholesalers and now increased supply from hoardings has lowered down the price drastically. In general, common people are relieved and supportive of affirmative action of Govt. Enforcements will continue.