Raiganj, May 24 -- In a move aimed at benefiting poor and marginal farmers, the state government, in collaboration with the West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation, has planned to set up solar-powered cold storages at three key rural markets - Bandar Haat, Hatia Haat and Kamlabari Haat - in Raiganj block of North Dinajpur district.

As part of the preliminary process, Kaushik Chowdhury and Kamaluddin Ahamed visited Bandar Haat on Saturday afternoon to identify a suitable site for the proposed cold storage facility. According to sources, a large number of poor farmers from different rural areas regularly bring vegetables and fruits to these haats for sale. However, due to the absence of proper storage facilities, many farmers are often compelled to sell their unsold produce at very low prices to avoid spoilage.

To address this long-standing problem, the state government has planned to establish solar-powered cold storages, where farmers can preserve vegetables and fruits for a certain period before selling them at reasonable prices. Officials believe the initiative will help reduce wastage and improve the earnings of small and marginal cultivators.

Speaking to reporters, MLA Kaushik Chowdhury said the proposed solar-powered cold storages would help preserve fruits and vegetables and provide relief to small and marginal farmers. He said the land at Bandar Haat is presently under Raiganj municipality and discussions would soon be held with the Sub-Divisional Officer, who is currently the administrator of the municipality, for allocation of land. He further informed that locations for similar facilities at Hatia and Kamlabari Haats would be identified shortly.

Gour Chandra Saha, secretary of the Bandar Haat committee, welcomed the initiative and said that municipal authorities had earlier surveyed the market for the same project, though the work did not progress at that time. He expressed hope that the proposed cold storages would greatly benefit local farmers by reducing wastage and ensuring better returns for their produce.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.