Ranchi, Nov 11 (IANS): Jharkhand is facing a potato crisis after West Bengal stopped its supply to neighbouring states to maintain its prices.

Nearly 100 potato-laden trucks have been halted at the West Bengal as they are not being allowed to enter Jharkhand, said a potato trader here.

As a result, potato prices have gone up from Rs.15 per kg to Rs.25 per kg in Jharkhand.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has hit back, saying: "The West Bengal government should understand that green vegetables are supplied there from our state. We have asked the chief secretary to take up the issue with his counterpart."

The Congress and the BJP have suggested the issue be raised with the centre.

"The state government should take up the issue with the (central) agriculture minister," Jharkhand Congress spokesperson Shailesh Sinha told IANS.

"The central government's agriculture policy is responsible for the crisis. Onion prices are already high. Now Jharkhand is facing a potato crisis. The central government should look into the issue," said former BJP chief minister Arjun Munda.