Agra: With 270 cold storage centers in Agra Regency closed to close in four days, each of the 75 lakh potatoes, 50 kg each, still lying in cold storage, waiting to be thrown away.
Agra District is the largest potato manufacturer in North India with more than 75,000 hectares of land under cultivation.
Farmers said they could not sell products because low demand at the local level and the increase in fuel prices had soared transportation costs to other countries.
Rajveer Opposite, District President Union Bharatiya Kisan, told TOI transportation costs to other countries has increased 30% after rising fuel prices.
“Farmers cannot take their products to the main market in other countries.
We have demanded the country and the center to declare Rs 1,600 per price of minimum quintal support (MSP) for potatoes.” According to BKU District President, “last year, one transportation costs Quintus the potatoes of Agra to Mandis in Pune and Mumbai are Rs 170 per quintal.
Following the increase in fuel prices, has increased to Rs 325 per quintal.
“Deputy Director of Horticulture, Dr.
Kaushal Kumar, Meanwhile, said the storage time period will be extended if needed .
The last date of shipping potatoes from cold storage is determined by the government.
Mohammad Aamir, Secretary General of the Potato Manufacturer Association, meanwhile, said that “higher potato production coupled with a pause in the government scheme such as midday eating because the Covid-19 pandemic has produced a higher potato supply in the market, so that it reduces prices.
Struggling to maintain their investment.
The government must help potato farmers in difficulties.
“Farmer leaders demanded that the ‘railroad rail’ specifically operated from Agra to other countries.
In September, the North Central Railways had started the train as first from Yamuna Agra Bridge Station to Changsari Station in Assam Kamrup District.
Farmers said the train operated a weekly in September but the operation had been irregular since then.
Kisan Rail has reduced transportation time from six days to 24 hours.
President of the Cold Storage Association Agra Sudarshan Agarwal told TI that in March, 2 potato packages stored in 270 cold storage centers in Agra.
“According to the government’s orders, the duration for storage ended on October 31.
There are 75 Potato Lakh packages still in storage.
We have asked farmers to take their products.
At the end of the month, the unit will be turned off to clean and improve to prepare agricultural product storage in the upcoming season Of course.
“