Low-cost attic storage method for potatoes gains ground, 653 units built nationwide

A potato farmer arranges his harvest using a low-cost, traditional storage method known as the attic storage system, or ‘machan’ method. Spearheaded by the Department of Agricultural Marketing, these raised, ventilated structures—built with bamboo, wood, and tin sheets—enable farmers to store potatoes and other vegetables naturally, reducing reliance on expensive and often monopolised cold storage facilities. The photo was taken from Bogura, recently. Photo: Khorshed Alam

A low-cost, traditional storage method known as the attic storage system — or machan method — is rapidly gaining ground among farmers in northern Bangladesh as a sustainable alternative to cold storages. 

Designed as raised, ventilated structures built with bamboo, wood, and tin sheets, these model units allow farmers to store potatoes and other vegetables naturally, reducing dependence on costly and often monopolised cold storage facilities.

According to farmers, attic storage units save them almost the entire cost, as the system was initiated by the government. Moreover, the quality of potatoes remains intact due to natural ventilation and protection from moisture and sunlight.

The Department of Agricultural Marketing, which is spearheading this initiative, says this method ensures fair prices for both farmers and consumers and helps break the cold storage syndicate's hold over the market.

One such beneficiary is Nazrul Islam, a farmer from Shabgram union in Bogura Sadar. He shared how the steep drop in potato prices this year left him unable to find space in traditional cold storage facilities — even though he was willing to pay.

"Cold storage owners took advantage of the situation and hiked the rates," he said. "But thanks to the government's attic-style storage unit, I could store up to 30 tonnes of potatoes at a fraction of the cost."

Design, durability

Each model unit costs Tk2.5 lakh to build, using bamboo, wood, corrugated tin, cement pillars, and thermocol. Measuring 25x15 feet, they are constructed on farmers' land to last 15-20 years. These units must be placed in elevated, shaded areas with good ventilation to avoid dampness. Only mature, undamaged, disease-free potatoes should be stored, and the units must be protected from rain and direct sunlight, say agricultural officials.

Govt's initiative

To address this systemic challenge, the government has launched the Potato Preservation, Processing and Marketing Programme, under which 703 model storage units are being constructed across 40 upazilas in 16 districts.

Currently, 653 units have been completed over the past three years, with the remaining units expected to be ready by 2025. Each unit can accommodate the harvests of up to 10 farmers.

There are currently 365 privately owned cold storages across Bangladesh, with a combined capacity of 32 lakh tonnes. But annual potato production stands at about 115 lakh tonnes, while domestic demand is around 80 lakh tonnes.

This leaves nearly 35 lakh tonnes of produce vulnerable to spoilage due to inadequate storage. Export opportunities also remain limited, compounding farmers' losses. These figures highlight the urgency of alternative storage systems like the attic method.

Scenario in Bogura

In Bogura alone, where 12 lakh tonnes of potatoes were harvested this year across 60,435 hectares, only about 4 lakh tonnes can be stored in existing cold storage units. With local demand at just 3 lakh tonnes, the government has built 40 model units in the district at a cost of Tk1 crore to help small and medium-scale farmers avoid distress sales.

Shakil Ahmed from Shibganj upazila said he could store potatoes for up to four months without cost and without any loss in quality. "We can sell whenever the price is right," he said, adding that many farmers are now interested in building similar structures independently.

Mizanur Rahman, a farmer from Dhawapara village in Shahjahanpur upazila, stored potatoes from eight bighas of land in one such unit. He's also preserving garlic in the same facility. "Unlike cold storage, these units rely on natural airflow and shade. My produce is in excellent condition," he noted.

Storage for other crops

These storage units can also be used to preserve other crops, such as onions, pumpkins, maize, and taro stems.

Abu Taher Pramanik, a farmer from Manohali in Kahaloo upazila, is now storing onions in his unit. "Our ancestors used similar methods. This is a brilliant adaptation of that wisdom," he said.

Speaking to The Business Standard, Momota Haque, a senior official at the Department of Agricultural Marketing, confirmed that properly stored potatoes in these units are even suitable for export. "These are becoming popular alternatives as cold storage owners continue to exploit farmers," she said.

Md Anwarul Haque, director of the Multi-purpose Use, Preservation and Marketing Development of Potatoes Project, said, "These model units help ensure fair pricing. Last year, farmers in Rangpur and Munshiganj made significant profits. The more we empower farmers to store their own produce, the more stable our markets will be."