Farmers get mini cold storages for first time in Bangladesh
The project, “Enhancing farmers’ income through expansion of affordable cold storage technology to tackle climate change risks”, was formally launched in Singair, Manikganj
Produce loss
- Bangladesh grows 25 million tonnes of vegetables every year
- 5.13 million tonnes are lost each year
- About 30–40% of vegetables wasted
Distributed mini cold storages
- Capacity: 10 tonnes
- Cost: Tk5 lakh
- Container model costs Tk15 lakh
- Solar-powered
- Can be operated via mobile phone
- reduces costs by about 70%
- Each unit cuts annual CO2 by 3,500 kg
Farmers across the country got 100 mini cold storages today (27 August) for the first time under an agriculture ministry project.
The project, "Enhancing farmers' income through expansion of affordable cold storage technology to tackle climate change risks", was formally launched in Singair, Manikganj – a vegetable-producing hub – by handing over the key of a mini cold storage to the Medulia Integrated Farmers Development Association.
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Retired Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, adviser to the ministries of agriculture and home affairs, attended the event as the chief guest. The project is funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund.
The adviser said, "Today's initiative is not just about handing over a machine; it marks the beginning of a new era in agriculture. Farmers who are deprived of fair prices for seasonal vegetables will benefit from this technology. It is sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly."
Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian said, "Having achieved self-sufficiency in production, our next goal is to modernise storage and market management. These solar-based, app-controlled mini cold storages will open up new opportunities for the agricultural economy."
According to project information, the technology has been customised for Bangladesh using both local and US high-tech devices. Two models have been developed: the household-based TSCR and the container-based TSCC. The solar-powered system can control temperature and humidity, and its internet-based, real-time monitoring feature allows farmers to operate it remotely via mobile phone.
A household-based cold storage can hold 10 tonnes of produce at a cost of around Tk5 lakh, while the container model costs Tk15 lakh.
Compared with conventional cold storages, the mini version reduces costs by about 70%. Each unit cuts annual carbon dioxide emissions by around 3,500 kilograms; equivalent to the environmental benefit of 140–160 trees.
Project Director Talha Zubair Masrur said, "For years, Bangladeshi farmers have suffered losses from not getting fair prices for seasonal vegetables and fruits. When production exceeds demand, market prices fall and farmers are forced to sell at a loss."
According to the agriculture ministry, Bangladesh grows about 25 million tonnes of vegetables every year. A large share of these vegetables is lost due to poor storage facilities.
Researchers say that in Bangladesh, about 30–40% of vegetables are wasted between harvest and reaching consumers. A study by the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (Bina) found post-harvest losses of 20–25% in onions, 30–35% in mangoes, 25–30% in bananas, papayas, guavas, and lychees, 8–9% in rice, 6–7% in pulses, 10% in potatoes, and 5–7% in ginger. These 10 crops alone account for 52.57 million metric tonnes of annual production, of which 5.13 million metric tonnes are lost each year.
Agriculture officials said the introduction of mini cold storages at the farmer level could significantly reduce such post-harvest losses.
"This technology will benefit not only farmers but also consumers. It can be installed right at farmers' homes, and there are plans to expand it to remote areas. This is a groundbreaking step to increase farmers' incomes, reduce crop waste, and strengthen the rural economy," Talha Zubair Masrur said.
According to the agriculture ministry, the idea came after farmers' outcry over vegetable price crashes last winter. Following the chief adviser's guidance, a pilot was conducted with one cold storage built inside the Rajalak Horticulture Centre in Savar and another solar-powered, container-based unit installed outdoors. After eight months of testing, the mini cold storages are finally being handed over to farmers.
