Relief for Small Farmers in West Bengal: 30% Cold Storage Space Reserved by Government Order

Kolkata (West Bengal): The West Bengal government has directed all cold storage owners in the state to reserve 30% of their storage capacity for small farmers. This decision aims to provide relief to farmers who face difficulties in storing crops like potatoes every season.

To implement this decision effectively, district magistrates have been instructed to ensure compliance with the order in their respective districts.

Under this directive, small farmers can store up to 30 quintals (approximately 70 sacks) of potatoes. Cold storage owners must keep 30% of their capacity reserved for a fixed period each season. If the reserved space remains vacant after the stipulated time, only then can storage owners rent it out to other farmers. However, if they fail to rent out this space, they will not receive any compensation from the state government.

Small farmers who wish to avail themselves of this reserved facility must apply with relevant documents, including a Kisan Credit Card and crop insurance details. The storage allocation will be on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

A senior state government official stated that the decision was made because small farmers often struggle to access cold storage facilities, as large-scale farmers typically book the space in advance.

A representative of the West Bengal Progressive Potato Traders Association welcomed the government’s decision. However, he suggested that the state should also consider purchasing 30% of the potato production directly from farmers.

He added on Monday that such a move would benefit small farmers directly and help stabilize potato prices in the retail market.