Photo: Courtesy
The lack of proper potato storage facilities has often led to post-harvest losses, leaving farmers with meager profits despite bumper crops. The introduction of modern potato storage techniques by the Department of Agriculture has brought a ray of hope and happiness to the growers in Sirajganj.
Farmer Shafiqul Islam, from Mahmudpur village in Mohanpur union of Ullapara upazila, has become a beneficiary of this initiative. The agriculture department has constructed a modern potato storage facility at his residence, free of cost, under the Kandal National Crop Development Project. This facility, measuring 20 feet in length and 15 feet in width, is designed to store up to 6 tons of potatoes, ensuring that the crop can be sold at a higher price during the post-parvati period.
The storage house is constructed with a bamboo and wood frame, reinforced with iron, and surrounded by a bamboo mat fence. The interior features a paved floor, 24 wooden doors for storage, and a simple lighting and ventilation system. This design allows for adequate air and light penetration, essential for maintaining the quality of the potatoes.
The farmers who use this facility are able to store their potatoes for up to four months without any additional cost. This not only prevents the potatoes from rotting but also ensures that they can be sold at a higher price, significantly increasing the farmers' profits. The success of this initiative has sparked interest among other farmers in the upazila, with many visiting the facility and expressing a desire to replicate it on their own land.
Shafiqul Islam and Abdul Bari, along with other potato farmers from Mahmudpur village, have expressed their gratitude for this initiative. They highlight that the training and support provided by the agriculture department have been instrumental in solving the long-standing problems faced by farmers.
Motaleb Akand, Abed Ali, Quddus Sheikh, Afzal Hossain, and other farmers from Bhatbera village have also shared their positive experiences. They report that the storage facility has allowed them to keep their potatoes fresh and sell them at a higher price, something that was not possible before.
Surbana Yasmin Sumi, an agriculturist from Ullapara Upazila Krishi Karmakata, has emphasized the importance of such facilities in protecting crops from rotting and ensuring a year-round supply of Kandal crops, including potatoes, in the market. She has also recommended setting up more such facilities to address the needs of the farmers.
In conclusion, the modern potato storage techniques introduced by the Department of Agriculture in Sirajganj have not only improved the post-harvest management of potatoes but have also brought happiness and prosperity to the farmers. This initiative is a step towards ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the region.
The modern potato storage facility in Sirajganj, has revolutionized the way farmers preserve their crops, leading to increased profits and improved food security. By providing a cost-effective solution to post-harvest losses, the initiative has not only benefited the farmers but also the local economy. The success of this project has sparked interest in replicating such facilities across the region, showcasing the potential for sustainable agriculture practices.
Messenger/Faria
