By Mukter Hossain, From Manikganj
A Farmers’ Mini Cold Storage was inaugurated at Meduliya in Dhalla Union of Singair upazila, Manikganj district recently by Lt. General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Honorable Advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Home Affairs.
The initiative has been taken under the project “Increasing Farmers’ Income through Expansion of Affordable Cold Storage Technology to Address Climate Change Risks.” The aim is to prevent farmers’ crops, especially perishable items, from being spoiled or wasted. Crops such as tomatoes, cauliflower, chilies, bottle gourd, mango, papaya, and bananas can now be stored for several days to weeks.
Implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and financed by the Climate Change Trust Fund, this is the first-ever mini cold storage facility in Bangladesh, although such facilities are common in developed countries. With a capacity of 10 tons, this cold storage is powered by solar energy, making it energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Farmers will be charged only 2 taka per kg per week for storage.
In his speech, Chief Guest Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said, “This cold storage will help farmers preserve their produce temporarily so they can sell it at fair prices without suffering losses. It will reduce wastage and protect their income.” He also emphasized strict action against land grabbers, directed authorities to protect agricultural land when setting up industrial zones, and advised not to build houses on double- or triple-cropped land.
This newly launched mini cold storage stands as a beacon of hope for farmers in Bangladesh. It will reduce financial losses, ensure food security, and contribute to combating climate change.
At the inauguration event, BARCIK set up an exhibition stall showcasing local seed diversity, medicinal plants, and agricultural tools, which was visited by Lt. General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. The event was also attended by the District Commissioner, Deputy Director of Agriculture, and senior government officials.
BARCIK Manikganj’s Regional Coordinator Bimal Roy presented BARCIK’s activities. Among others present were BARCIK Chairperson Md. Monowar Hossain, farmers Komela Begum and Ibrahim Mia, Program Coordinator Masudur Rahman, Program Officer Muktar Hossain, Gazi Shahadat Hossain Badol, and Research Assistant Shamayel Hasda.
