The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Bogra

Potato growers of the district have been facing problem with their production worth about Tk 1000 crore in the absence of cold storage facilities.

Despite bumper production this season, potato growers are facing loss as they have failed to preserve the vegetable in cold storage due to lack of accommodation facilities.

Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources said growers produced 10 lakh mts potatoes cultivating 65,000 hectares of land against the output target of 7.5 lakh mts from 42,810 hectares. Potatoes are now selling at Tk 10 per kg in wholesale markets and at Tk 12-13 in retail markets.

Though the farmers want to preserve the potatoes to get higher price in future they cannot do so for lack of accommodation in local cold storages. DAE sources said there are 27 cold storages in the district, which were established under private initiative with preservation capacity of 1.78 lakh mts.

Moreover, hoarders are preserving potatoes in those cold storages blocking most spaces by making advance bookings. Due to the advance bookings, many cold storage owners have already hanged notices announcing stoppage of receiving potatoes even before filling up the capacity, sources said.

As a result, growers are compelled either to sell their produces at lower rates or take back home.

Bablu Miah, a potato grower of Kahalu upazila, said traders are given priority in preserving potatoes in cold storages that has created trouble for the growers.

DAE deputy director Rustam Ali Mondal said growers have been facing problem as there is no government arrangement for potato preservation in the district and the private cold storages have limited accommodation.