In Joypurhat, Bangladesh, greenhouse growers are facing challenges with both potato prices and cold storage access. The government has set a maximum storage rent of approximately $0.08 per kilogram, but farmers report difficulties in obtaining storage permits due to trader monopolization.
Farmers allege that traders are filling cold storages with large quantities of potatoes, forcing them to wait days at the gates even after securing permits. Imran Hossain from Dhupsara in Kalai expressed his frustration, stating, "Despite attempts for several days. I couldn't get permits. Meanwhile, thousands of traders' potato bags are unloaded nightly at the cold storage next to my house."
Anwar Hossain from Battali in Khetlal shared similar concerns, noting, "I waited two days to store 25 sacks, alongside hundreds of others with trolleys and vans. The gates stay shut for us, but I hear traders' potatoes go in at night."
According to cold storage managers, the situation is exacerbated by increased demand. Abdul Quddus of Battali Himadri Limited mentioned, "Profits from stored potatoes have soared for two years, so farmers are storing not just for seeds but for sale too. We can handle 10,000 bags daily, but they're bringing 20,000–25,000, causing jams."
Raihan Mandal of M Israt Cold Storage in Kalai explained the rent dynamics: "Last year, rent was approximately $0.07 per kilogram, but the Cold Storage Association raised it to $0.09 due to high bank interest and labor costs. Farmers protested so the government capped it at $0.08. Demand has spiked, and we're struggling to keep up."
The District Agriculture Department indicates a cultivation area of 43,470 hectares, with an expected yield exceeding 1 million tonnes. The district's cold storages, with a capacity of 1,85,000 tonnes, are stretched thin. Monitoring by the District Agricultural Marketing Officer continues to ensure compliance with storage regulations.
Source: Jago News 24