Rajshahi, June 15 (V7N)– Potato farmers and traders in Rajshahi's Paba Upazila are in a severe crisis, fearing losses amounting to hundreds of crores of taka, as a dispute with cold storage facilities continues unresolved. Allegations of excessive storage fees and fraudulent quantity measurements have led to what farmers describe as a de facto closure of these vital facilities, leaving highly perishable potatoes with no storage option.

The 'Rajshahi District Farmers and Potato Traders Cooperative Society,' a newly formed 21-member committee led by president Abdul Ahad and general secretary Alhaj Mithu Ahmed, has been actively advocating on behalf of the distressed farmers.

On Saturday afternoon, a sit-in protest was staged by local farmers and traders in front of Uttara Cold Storage, Asma, Sarkar, and Rahman Seers Cold Storage in the Baya area. Protesters vociferously claimed that cold storage owners are demanding charges significantly higher than the government-set price per maund and are manipulating digital meters to show reduced potato quantities. Farmers expressed deep frustration over their inability to engage in dialogue with cold storage authorities.

The lack of storage has already resulted in the spoilage of a considerable amount of potatoes, raising concerns that the financial impact will extend beyond individual farmers and traders, potentially harming North Bengal's agricultural economy. This situation compounds existing issues, as cold storage facilities in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions have previously reported operating at full capacity, often prioritizing large-scale growers. Government regulations mandate a maximum storage charge of Tk 6.75 per kilogram, a limit that farmers assert is being disregarded.

The cooperative society, which includes Alam Ali as Vice President and Abdul Gaffar as Vice General Secretary, among others, has issued a stern ultimatum: if no effective solution is found by 10 AM on Sunday, June 15, they will initiate a rigorous movement, including blocking highways.

As of Sunday evening, there has been no official statement or intervention from the administration regarding this escalating situation. Affected farmers and traders are urgently appealing for immediate administrative intervention to resolve the dispute and prevent further substantial losses to the agricultural sector.

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