Pune, June 17, 2023: The lack of a cold storage facility at Gultekdi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Pune’s Market Yard has left farmers feeling disappointed. With a significant influx of vegetables and fruits from outside the state and district, the absence of cold storage facilities poses a challenge in preserving these perishable goods.
Karan Jadhav, Secretary of the Adate Association, expressed the farmers’ concerns, stating, “There are several vegetables and fruits, such as potatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, peas, apples, oranges, and cherries, that arrive at the market yard. It is crucial to have cold storage facilities to prevent them from rotting. Since there is no cold storage facility here, we have to send and store them in facilities located in Shivapur, Baneshwar, Pirangut, and other areas, which adds to the expenses.”
Jadhav further highlighted the long-standing issue, stating, “Since the establishment of the Market Yard in Pune, there has been no cold storage facility. We have repeatedly requested the APMC to address this issue, and we are even willing to bear the expenses. However, the APMC has consistently ignored and neglected this matter.”
In response to the farmers’ concerns, Aniruddha Bhosale, Director of APMC Pune, assured that steps are being taken to provide a cold storage facility. He stated, “We have taken note of the issue and have requested the main APMC to formulate a plan for the construction of a cold storage facility. We assure you that the cold storage facility will be established soon.”
The implementation of a cold storage facility at the Market Yard in Pune’s APMC is crucial for the efficient storage and preservation of perishable agricultural produce. This step would not only benefit the farmers by reducing post-harvest losses but also contribute to maintaining the quality and freshness of the produce. The farmers hope that the authorities will expedite the process and fulfill their commitment to establishing the much-needed cold storage facility at the Market Yard.
