Tentulikhunti: Farmers in Tentulikhunti Block and the bordering Nandahandi Block of Nabarangpur district cultivate a significant amount of perishable crops. Despite growing vegetables like potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cabbages, brinjals, beans, cucumbers, gourds, bitter gourds, and green chilies, farmers are gradually shifting away from these crops due to declining market prices.
The absence of cold storage facilities has forced farmers to sell their produce at throwaway prices, as they cannot store them for longer periods. Farmers have expressed their frustration, stating that government schemes are not effectively benefiting them. They have raised their voices, demanding the attention of local leaders and administrative officials to construct cold storage facilities.
Farmers believe that the establishment of cold storage units will strengthen the economic condition of local farmers and encourage more people to engage in vegetable cultivation. It is also unfortunate that the horticulture department has failed to reach out effectively to the actual farming community, as discussed among the farmers.
The demand for cold storage construction has been made to the government, emphasizing the need for such facilities in various blocks of Nabarangpur district. Although local MLAs frequently announce grants for lift irrigation projects in the region, farmers feel that cold storage facilities are equally crucial for their benefit.
After the completion of the paddy harvest, farmers plow their lands to cultivate vegetables. However, since all farmers harvest their produce simultaneously, it leads to an inevitable drop in market prices due to surplus supply. Every year, farmers are compelled to sell their crops at lower rates.
On the other hand, farmers are unable to plow their fields when the land remains dry, further impacting their agricultural productivity. The construction of cold storage facilities is seen as an urgent requirement to address these recurring issues and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.