The state government, in collaboration with the West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation, has planned to establish solar powered cold storages at three key rural markets in Raiganj block of North Dinajpur district to benefit poor and marginal farmers. The markets identified for the initiative are Bandar Haat, Hatia Haat and Kamlabari Haat and the scheme is intended to improve post harvest handling and reduce spoilage. Officials described the move as part of broader efforts to support smallholders in remote trading centres. As part of a preliminary process two officials carried out a site visit to Bandar Haat where they sought a suitable location for the proposed facility. Kaushik Chowdhury and Kamaluddin Ahamed were reported to have inspected the market on Saturday afternoon and discussed land requirements with representatives. Sources indicated that large numbers of farmers from surrounding villages regularly bring vegetables and fruits to these haats but, in the absence of adequate storage, many are compelled to sell at low prices to avoid spoilage. Officials said the solar powered cold storages would allow farmers to preserve produce for a period before sale and thereby fetch better prices, helping to improve household incomes and reduce post harvest losses. The land at Bandar Haat is administered by Raiganj municipality and discussions are expected with the Sub Divisional Officer who is acting as municipal administrator to secure an allocation. It was added that locations for similar facilities at Hatia and Kamlabari haats would be identified shortly and technical planning would follow site selection. The secretary of the Bandar Haat committee welcomed the plan and recalled that municipal authorities had earlier surveyed the market for the project but that work did not progress. He said the initiative was expected to reduce wastage and ensure better returns for cultivators and that coordination with municipal and block level agencies would be necessary for land allotment and logistics. Implementation timelines and storage capacities were not disclosed at the preliminary stage but officials indicated that consultations with stakeholders would determine technical and operational details.