New Delhi, Jun 26 (KNN)  In a bid to increasing availability of potatoes and at the same time bring down its price in the domestic market; the government today imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 450 per MT on the root vegetable with immediate effect.

“Potatoes, fresh or chilled - export permitted subject to MEP of USD 450 per MT,” said a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The move is a government initiative to bring down food prices.  Earlier Finance Minister had announced that the Centre would impose export curbs on essentials like onion and potatoes by increasing MEP.

DGFT had notified MEP of USD 300 per tonne on onion earlier this month.

According to reports, unusually weather conditions had affected the potato crop this year.  With deficient monsoon controlling food prices will be a major challenge for the new government.  (KNN/ES)