The Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business has invited farmers and traders in agri products to make the most of the cold storage facilities maintained at the regulated markets in Sathyamangalam, Kodumudi, Anthiyur, Punjai Puliampatti and Avalpoondurai.
The facilities could be used to store fruits and vegetables, pulses, turmeric, tamarind, flowers and other agricultural/ horticultural products, at attractive rates, L. Kulandaivelu, Secretary of Erode Marketing Committee, said.
The cold storage at Alukulli village in Gobi block has a storage capacity of 1,000 tonnes and the facility at Sathy is of 100 tonnes capacity.
Further, the regulated markets at Kodumudi, Anthiyur, Punjai Puliampatti and Avalpoondurai are equipped with cold storages with capacity to store 25 tonnes each.
The rates specified for the farmers and traders are easily affordable. A box of apples weighing 18 kg. for instance, could be stored for just Rs. 15 per month. The amount is just 60 paise per kg for fruits. Vegetables are stored at the rate of Rs. 1.50 per kg for three days.
The cold storages could also be utilised on lease basis. Twenty-five tonnes could be stored for Rs. 4,000 per month.
The amounts are Rs. 10,000 per month for 100 tonnes and Rs. 25,000 per month for 250 tonnes. The rates have been specified in detail inwww.agmark.nic.in
Those intending to utilise the cold storage on lease basis will be required to pay six months advance to store the products for the lease duration of 11 months.
