Farmers rue defunct cold storages in Ganjam

Berhampur: The two cold storages built by the State government at Ambapua and Golanthara in Gopalpur of Ganjam district seem to have grossly failed in serving their purpose as they have been lying defunct for the past few years. Due to the defunct cold storages, the vegetable farmers in the area are being forced to go for distress sale.

Condition of the cold storage building at Ambapua is really pathetic and equipment installed for crores of rupees are in dilapidated condition. However, the Cooperation department is yet to address the issue and take steps for its revival.

Similarly, farmers have alleged that Golanthara cold storage that was inaugurated last year has remained locked for most of the time.

“During bumper harvest, farmers could have stored their produce and reaped huge benefits, had the cold storage been functional. However, the purpose is not fulfilled as the Ambapua cold storage is lying defunct and the State government is not paying any attention,” said Bibhuti Jena, a local leader.

The Ambapua cold storage is dilapidated forcing the vegetable growers to resort to distress sale, a farmer rued.
Meanwhile, Cooperation Minister Surjya Narayan Patro said as repair of the Ambapua cold storage will be a costly affair, the government is planning to set up a new one in the area.

“There is one cold storage in Berhampur which has been lying defunct for past 25 years. If we repair the cold storage, it would cost us around Rs 50 lakh even though it was established for Rs 2 lakh. For this reason, the government has not repaired it yet,” Patro stated.