Ulipur (Kurigram) Representative:The agricultural produce processing, storage and marketing center built at a cost of about six crore rupees at Ulipur has not been operational even after nearly four years of completion. Local farmers are not getting the benefits of the project as the buildings and machinery have been installed but regular production or service activities have not started.

In 2018, the project was taken up by Bogra Rural Development Academy to increase the income of marginalized people of Kurigram and Jamalpur. The contractor handed over the center to the concerned authorities after completing the construction work in FY 2022-23.

The center has processing of paddy, wheat and oilseeds, processing of spices and food products, manufacturing of bakery products and preservation of milk, fish and meat. As equipment including cold chambers have not been used for a long time, concerns have arisen regarding maintenance and functionality. About 20 people were expected to be employed when launched.

Jahedul Haque Chowdhury, Director of Rangpur Rural Development Academy, said that the center could not be opened under the previous management due to manpower shortage. The process is underway to change the policy and give management responsibility for three years through tender to cooperatives, NGOs or interested entrepreneurs. Local farmers want quick deadline announcement and technical testing of machinery.