Jharkhand News: 5,000 Metric Ton Cold Storage Inaugurated in Pakur to Boost Farmers’ Income

Pakur, December 19, 2024: In a significant move to empower farmers and boost agricultural productivity, a state-of-the-art cold storage facility with a capacity of 5,000 metric tons was inaugurated in the Kashila block of Pakur district. The inauguration was jointly conducted by Congress MLA Nisat Alam and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Manish Kumar.

The facility, constructed at a cost of ₹9 crores by the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation, will be operated by Alam Construction Private Limited.

Transforming Agriculture in Pakur

During the inauguration, DC Manish Kumar highlighted the transformative potential of the cold storage facility for local farmers. “This cold storage will enable farmers to preserve their produce for longer periods, ensuring they fetch higher prices in the market,” he said.

Previously, Pakur district faced challenges due to limited cold storage capacity. This new facility is expected to benefit not only farmers in Pakur but also those in neighboring districts. Manish Kumar also emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to extend welfare schemes to every corner of the district.

Agricultural Fair and Knowledge Sharing

An agricultural fair was organized as part of the inauguration event, where farmers received valuable insights into modern farming techniques and practices. Experts shared knowledge on crop preservation, effective storage methods, and leveraging government schemes for better agricultural outcomes.

MLA Nisht Alam’s Vision for Farmers

Congress MLA Nisat Alam expressed her optimism about the cold storage facility’s impact on the farming community. She stated, “This facility will empower farmers to store their crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, coriander and fruits, ensuring better prices during peak seasons. It will strengthen their economic standing and improve their livelihoods.”

Alam also encouraged farmers to utilize the facility for long-term storage, which would help them avoid distress sales and maximize profits.

Support for Fishermen and Farmers

In addition to the cold storage inauguration, the event witnessed the distribution of financial aid and resources under various government schemes. The Deputy Commissioner and MLA distributed checks to five beneficiaries from the Fishermen’s Cooperative Society for activities like duck rearing, prawn farming, and cage house construction.

Certificates were awarded to six progressive farmers for their exemplary contributions to agriculture, and blankets were distributed to five beneficiaries.

Government’s Housing Initiatives in Pakur

DC Manish Kumar also provided updates on the district’s housing initiatives under the “Abua Awas” scheme. He announced that 1,000 houses have already been constructed, with a target of completing an additional 1,000 houses by December 31, 2024.

Event Highlights

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several notable dignitaries, including Shanti Sarojini Murmu, mother of Rajmahal MP, District Supply Officer Abhishek Kumar Singh, District Cooperative Officer Chandrajeet Khalkho, District Social Welfare Officer Basanti Gladius Bara and District Fisheries Officer. Representatives from Alam Construction, including Mehtab Alam and Iftikhar Alam, along with progressive farmers, were also present.

This cold storage facility is set to play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural landscape of Pakur, providing farmers with the infrastructure needed to store, preserve and sell their produce at competitive prices.