Odisha government attributes rising food prices to weather and crop damage

The Odisha government has attributed rising prices for vegetables and essential food commodities to adverse weather, crop damage, and broader national and international market trends. During an assembly session, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra noted that unfavorable weather and flood-like conditions in major vegetable-producing regions have impacted crop yields.

While some prices have risen, the state government reported that several commodities remain below the national average in Odisha. Specifically, potatoes are 31.87% cheaper, moong dal is 4.15% lower, and arhar dal is 3.13% lower than the national average. Conversely, edible oil, onion, and sugar prices in the state are reported to be higher than the national average.

To manage these fluctuations, the government has increased market monitoring. Authorities are scrutinizing stock declarations from millers and wholesalers via a monitoring portal, conducting physical verifications, and using the Market Intelligence Branch to inspect for hoarding, black marketing, and profiteering.