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Meanwhile, cold storage owners say their hands are tied.

Delwar Hossain, managing director of Shahi Himagar Limited under Selim Reza Group, said their ten facilities in Thakurgaon and Dinajpur, with a combined capacity of 85,000 tonnes, are full.

Enamul Haque, general manager of IJAB Group, said their 11,000 tonne plant has also reached capacity, forcing them to turn farmers away.

Alongside large refrigerated units, the DAE has set up 152 non-refrigerated model potato stores in northern districts since 2022. Each 15 by 25-foot structure can hold 25 to 30 tonnes for up to four months.

Sakhawat Hossain, district agricultural marketing officer (in-charge) of Thakurgaon, said the project aims to promote diversified use, storage and marketing of potatoes.

Nurul Huda, adviser to Thakurgaon Potato Growers and Traders Welfare Association, called for expanding processing industries, boosting exports and including potatoes in relief programmes to help steady the market.