Kolkata, February 16, 2026: The West Bengal Cold Storage Association (WBCSA) has raised serious concerns over mounting financial stress in the cold storage sector, reporting an estimated ₹2,200 crore loss during its 61st Annual General Meeting held at Taj Taal Kutir, Kolkata.
The meeting was inaugurated by Becharam Manna, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Agricultural Marketing, Government of West Bengal, and Pradip Kumar Mazumdar, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Panchayat & Rural Development, Government of West Bengal, and attended by senior office bearers, past presidents, district committee chairmen, and key stakeholders from the industry.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Kumar Rana, President, WBCSA, said the association has been serving West Bengal’s agricultural community for over six decades and continues to play a vital role in strengthening the rural economy. He noted that the state is expected to produce nearly 140 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes, while around 72 lakh metric tonnes remain stored in cold storages. With market prices averaging ₹600 per quintal against the MSP of ₹900, the sector has suffered heavy financial losses on stored stock.
Rana emphasized that urgent policy intervention, including price stabilization measures and smoother inter-state marketing, is critical to safeguard both farmers and cold storage operators from prolonged financial distress.
Subhajit Saha, Vice President, WBCSA, highlighted rising operational pressures, citing increased electricity tariffs, higher labour and maintenance costs, expensive capital, and regulatory compliance burdens. He called for rational revision of cold storage rental charges and extension of license validity to five years to improve ease of doing business and ensure continued support to farmers.
Key Recommendations by WBCSA
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Transport subsidy for inter-state movement of potatoes
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Buyer–seller meets with neighbouring states
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Inclusion of potatoes in Mid-Day Meal and Public Distribution System (PDS)
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Promotion of export-oriented potato cultivation
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Revision of rental charges in line with rising operational costs
The Association also urged the government to simplify legal procedures for disposal of undelivered stock and modernize outdated regulatory frameworks. Reaffirming its commitment to collaborative solutions, WBCSA expressed confidence that constructive engagement between policymakers and industry stakeholders will help stabilize the sector and protect farmer interests.