Only one cold storage facility operational under ASAMB due to lockdown

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The farmers of Assam are facing crisis due to shortage of cold storage facilities in the State. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, most of the State farmers failed to sell their agricultural produce due to unavailability of cold storage facilities. According to an Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board (ASAMB) official, only one cold storage facility is operational in the State under the board. The official highlighted the present condition of the State regarding the facilities and also mentioned about certain projects that are underway.

The official said that the only operational facility, with a capacity of 2,000 metric tonnes is at Singimari and is being run on lease. A cold storage facility in Byrnihat with a capacity of 500 metric tonnes has been closed since 2014.

Another 2,000 metric tonnes cold storage facility in Gossaigaon, Kokrajhar is being used for other purposes. Meanwhile, in Chenijan, Jorhat major repairing work is being done at a 2,000 metric tonne facility.

The official said that under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), two 5,000 metric tonnes cold storage facilities are being constructed in Chaygaon and Kharupetia. "The NABARD scheme is of 2015, and the construction work of the facilities started in 2016. The work should has been completed within two years but, only 70 per cent work is completed till now. A 2,000 metric tonnes pack house project is complete in Sutarkandi, Karimganj and was set to be inaugurated in April. But due to the lockdown the facility hasn't been opened yet," added the official. Further, the official said that under the ASAMB marketing board there are 66 godowns with a total capacity of 47,725 metric tonnes. But some of the godowns are not operational and they need major repairing.