BJP MlA Dilip Ray has slammed the State Government for being ‘careless and indifferent’ to the farming sector while stating that farmers’ problems can be arrested to a great extent if adequate cold storages are established.
Ray posted this allegation in his Facebook account. “In the last 15 years, many cold storages have been shut down, thanks to the utter negligence of the State Government,” mentioned Ray.
“As of now 75 per cent of the cold storages in the State are dysfunctional. In 1995, there were 15 cooperative cold storages in the State of which only five are operational now. Out of total 108 cold storages, only 27 are functioning,” Ray mentioned.
He further posted that 15 districts don’t have even one cold storage.
“A legitimate question now arises is that what the Government was doing for over such long period and whether the Government thought it necessary to operate cold storages in the State,” he queried.
He alleged that the State Government has exposed the people to price volatility triggered by whims of outside traders.
Stating that the Government has announced plans for enhancing production of potato and other vegetables only recently, he viewed that unless adequate storage facility is provided, farmers would be sell their produces at low prices and would be at a loss always.
“It is time now for the Government to be serious and set up cold storages on an emergency basis so that farmers and people are not subjected to the fancies and whims of outside traders,” suggested Ray.