A modern cold storage facility is nearing completion in Bandarban town, offering a much-needed solution to the annual loss of seasonal fruits and vegetables caused by inadequate storage facilities.
The facility, the first of its kind in the district headquarters, is being constructed by the Bandarban unit of the Chattogram Hill Tracts Development Board (CHTDB) at a cost of Tk 1.85 crore and 56 lakh.
Located in the bus station area of Bandarban town, the cold storage will have a capacity to preserve 50 metric tonnes of fruits and other agricultural produce. Construction of the building has largely been completed, while a generator, electrical connections, cooling equipment and other necessary facilities have been installed.
Officials involved in the project said around 95 percent of the work has already been completed and the facility is expected to become operational soon.
Every year, farmers in Bandarban suffer significant financial losses as large quantities of seasonal fruits and vegetables deteriorate because of the lack of proper storage facilities. The new cold storage is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and allow farmers to store their produce until market conditions become more favourable.
Farmers hope the facility will enable them to avoid distress sales during peak harvesting seasons and secure fair prices for their produce.
Abdus Sattar, a farmer from Bandarban Sadar, said the facility would be a major benefit for local growers.
“Although it has taken a long time, we are happy that a cold storage facility is finally being built. Once it becomes operational, we will be able to preserve our agricultural produce and get better prices,” he said.
Lal Piyan Bom, a mango grower from Bandarban Sadar, said the district produces large quantities of Rangwai mangoes and other fruits.
“Bandarban has considerable potential for fruit cultivation. If we have proper storage facilities, we can preserve the fruits and sell them later at better prices,” he said.
According to project sources, construction began in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Abu Bin Mohammad Yasir Arafat, executive engineer of the Bandarban unit of the Chattogram Hill Tracts Development Board, said the project was progressing as planned.
“About 95 percent of the work has already been completed. Once the cold storage becomes operational, farmers will be able to preserve their fruits and other produce for longer periods and earn more from their sales,” he said.