Potato farmers block road in Bankura after cold storage closure despite space for 5,000 bags

Tension flared in the Kotulpur block of Bankura after authorities of a private cold storage facility announced the closure of storage operations despite having space to accommodate 5,000 bags of potatoes. The decision sparked protests among local potato farmers, who accused the authorities of denying them storage during a difficult market period.

According to farmers, potato prices in the open market remain extremely low, forcing many growers to rely on cold storage facilities so they can sell their produce later if prices rise. However, the sudden announcement of closure by the cold storage authorities triggered anger among farmers, who alleged that the facility was intentionally keeping the space vacant to store potatoes belonging to traders instead of those produced by farmers.

In protest, local farmers blocked the Bishnupur–Arambagh state road for a prolonged period, bringing traffic movement to a halt. The situation escalated as a large number of farmers gathered in front of the cold storage facility demanding that their potatoes be accepted for storage. Police from Kotulpur police station later reached the protest site after receiving information about the blockade. After discussions with the cold storage authorities, the police instructed them to accept potatoes from farmers until the vacant space of 5,000 bags was filled. Following assurances from the authorities that the potatoes would be stored as directed, the farmers withdrew the road blockade.