Photo: Collected
Cold storage industries, during a press meet on Thursday (28 March), urged for the enactment of an integrated policy for the development of cold chain infrastructure to ensure a strategic supply of perishable goods such as potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in off seasons.
Their call to action coincided with the announcement of the Cold Chain Bangladesh 2024 exhibition, scheduled to be held from May 16 to 18 this year.
Savor International Ltd, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCSA) organised the event at the BCSA office in the city on the day.
The press conference aimed to provide insights into the upcoming exhibition, which will take place at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in May.
Md Faizul Alam, Managing Director of Savor International Ltd, while moderating the event told the the media that the exhibition would serve as a platform to showcase advancements in cold chain technologies and discuss strategies to enhance the efficiency of cold storage and logistics in Bangladesh.
He emphasised the necessity of an integrated policy for cold chain management involving multiple government ministries, industry stakeholders, and experts to address the evolving needs of the agricultural and perishable goods sector.
Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, President of BCSA, said there is an urgent need to reform the current financial structure to incentivise investments in cold chain management.
He highlighted the necessity of accessing loans from foreign sources at lower interest rates to facilitate the development of state-of-the-art cold chains.
During the exhibition, stakeholders will advocate for implementing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in cold chain management, emphasising the importance of specialised cold storage facilities and post-harvest management education for farmers and industry professionals.
Mohammad Asaduzzaman, President of Bangladesh Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Merchant Association (BRAMA) and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Cold Chain Policy Implementation of FBCCI, addressed the challenges faced in importing cold storage equipment and spare parts, urging for a reduction in import duties to stimulate investment in the country's cold chain infrastructure.
Istiaque Ahmed, Senior Vice President of the Cold Storage Association, emphasised that cold storage is essential not only for food security but also for ensuring food safety by reducing the need for harmful preservatives.
Meanwhile, Mostafa Azad Chowdhury Babu expressed concerns over potential potato shortages and urged authorities to provide accurate data on potato production to mitigate market disruptions.
He expressed his concern that consumers might have to buy potato at above Tk 50 a kg as farmers' level price is Tk 27-32 a kg which was maximum Tk 18 a kg last year.
Md Hasmotuzzaman, Chairman RP, ASHRAE Bangladesh Chapter also spoke among others.
Messenger/Sumon
