Tuber Tussle

Few commodities evoke as much attention as the humble potato, especially when its supply is throttled. For the better part of this year, the Trinamool Congress-ruled West Bengal led by its temperamental Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has engaged in an unseemly spat with neighbouring BJP-led Odisha over the tuber, highlighting both the perils of political brinkmanship and the economic ripple effects of disrupted trade.

At the heart of the dispute lies West Bengal’s sudden decision to halt the movement of potato-laden trucks across its border into Odisha. This blockade has strained the supply chain, pushing potato prices in Odisha’s markets to as high as Rs. 50 per kilogram, a steep jump from Rs. 35 just days ago. This has caused Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister to accuse West Bengal of playing politics.

Odisha’s response has been pragmatic, albeit costly. It swiftly turned to Uttar Pradesh and Punjab for alternative supplies, with truckloads of potatoes now arriving daily. This pivot comes with an added price tag of an extra Rs. 2 per kilogram for consumers. Yet, it underscores Odisha’s determination to avoid escalating the row into a tit-for-tat embargo, which could disrupt the delicate interdependence of state economies.

Officially, there is no explicit rationale for West Bengal’s blockade, though whispers of internal politics and protectionism abound. West Bengal’s own potato farmers face a flood of cheaper Bhutanese imports, and the state’s agricultural output has been hit by unseasonal rains. Odisha’s reliance on West Bengal for its spuds, historically grounded in shorter transport distances, has now become a liability.

Meanwhile, the trade embargo has laid bare the broader fragilities in India’s domestic supply chains. Despite frequent calls for economic federalism, states often act parochially when it comes to essential commodities. The disruptions have also exposed inefficiencies in logistics as transporting potatoes from Uttar Pradesh risks spoilage due to the longer journey.

The episode offers lessons for all stakeholders. Odisha’s plans to achieve self-sufficiency in potato production within two years are ambitious but overdue. The state’s dependency on West Bengal was a predictable risk, yet little was done to mitigate it. West Bengal, for its part, risks tarnishing its reputation as a trade partner, a move that could backfire should other states adopt retaliatory measures.

The broader question is whether India can afford such provincial spats over a staple crop. With climate change making agricultural yields increasingly unpredictable, states need to cooperate rather than compete. Disputes like these not only hurt consumers but also highlight the need for stronger national mechanisms to mediate trade disputes and ensure the free flow of essential goods.

For now, Odisha’s markets are stabilizing with fresh shipments from Uttar Pradesh, though prices remain volatile. But the damage - both economic and political - is done. Until cooler heads prevail, the humble potato will remain an unlikely symbol of inter-state discord.