Multiple Announcements by Dilip on Reducing Sugar and Onion Prices and Fundamental Reforms in the Regulated Market in Siliguri
**Siliguri:** Along with controlling the prices of sugar and onions, the Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development and Agricultural Marketing of the state, Dilip Ghosh, announced several plans for the infrastructural development of the regulated market in Siliguri, one of the most important markets in Northeast India. After an important meeting at the Siliguri regulated market on Tuesday, he discussed various plans for market reform as well as for traders, farmers, and truck drivers with reporters.
Present at the meeting were the Secretary of the Agricultural Marketing Department, Abhinav Chandra, SDPO, DM, and market traders.
During the meeting, several issues regarding the current infrastructure of the Siliguri regulated market, which spans about 50 acres, were raised. Problems related to roads, drainage systems, and entry and exit points of the market were discussed. The minister claimed that more than 20 trucks face issues every day while entering and exiting the market.
There is also a problem of rainwater accumulation due to the closure of the Nayanjuli during the construction of the highway in front of the market. The minister stated that efforts are being made to address this issue along with improving gates, drinking water, and security arrangements.
### Will a Waste Processing System be Established in the Market?
There are plans to set up a processing center within the regulated market. Along with creating designated spaces for farmers coming from outside to sit and conduct business, plans are being made to produce organic fertilizers from raw organic waste generated in the market.
Thoughts are also underway to create separate units for processing thermocol and other waste. Currently, traders have to pay municipal workers to remove waste from the market. If a waste processing system is established within the market, that cost will decrease, and there may also be opportunities for income from processed waste, according to Dilip Ghosh.
### Rest Areas for Truck Drivers, Cold Storage May Be Established
The minister also mentioned plans to create rest areas in the style of guest houses for truck drivers coming from outside districts and states. The proposed building will have arrangements for drivers to stay and rest on the upper floor, and a dining area and warehouse on the lower floor.
Dilip Ghosh claimed that there are plans to establish such services in almost 50 places across the state, including Siliguri.
Additionally, there are plans to create cold storage in the regulated market. Perishable items like oranges, pineapples, and avocados can be preserved there for several months. This is expected to help maintain the supply of goods in the market according to demand, thereby controlling prices.
### Targeting Onion Prices at 35 Taka and Sugar at 50 Taka
On this day, the minister held separate meetings with onion and sugar traders in the regulated market. Discussions were held with traders regarding the rise in onion prices. Dilip Ghosh stated that efforts are being made to bring onions to the market at around **35 Taka per kg** within this month. Traders have also assured quick action, he mentioned.
On the other hand, there is a target to bring **sugar at 50 Taka or less** into the market within this month by reducing the price of sugar. This initiative aims to ensure that the general public can buy sugar at comparatively lower prices during the festival season, the minister explained.
Additionally, there are plans to reconstruct the old market infrastructure, improve water and electricity systems, integrate solar power, and strengthen security measures to prevent theft.
The minister stated that the complete renovation of the regulated market will take some time. However, step by step, efforts are being made to implement various works for the benefit of traders, farmers, and truck drivers, starting from infrastructural development.
