UP Govt Issues Strict Guidelines for Cold Storages to Protect Farmers & Ensure Transparency
Circular issued by Uttar Pradesh Government (2 April 2026)/ Team Potato Bazaar10 April 202642 views7 min read
UP Govt Issues Strict Guidelines for Cold Storages to Protect Farmers & Ensure Transparency
New rules focus on safety, fair charges, and better potato storage practices
The Uttar Pradesh government has issued comprehensive new guidelines for private cold storages to ensure better regulation, farmer protection, and operational transparency across the state.
The directive, based on the UP Cold Storage Regulation Act, 1976, mandates strict compliance by all cold storage operators and licensing authorities.
point-wise summary of the UP Cold Storage Guidelines Order:
Basic Context
- Issued by UP Government (2 April 2026) for private cold storage operations
- Based on UP Cold Storage Regulation Act, 1976 (amended 1997)
- Mandatory for all licensing authorities and cold storage operators
Key Regulatory Points
- No extra charges
- Cold storage owners cannot charge beyond approved storage/service fees
- Weight variation rule
- Loss/gain in weight due to moisture/drying beyond limits = treated as damage
Storage & Infrastructure Norms
- Rack & stacking standards
- Minimum spacing between racks: 0.75 m
- Distance from wall: 20 cm
- Gap from ceiling: 30 cm
- Max stacking: 6 bags per stack
- Mandatory spacing between bags
Stack rotation
- Bags must be rotated:
- First: within 45 days
- Second: within 90 days
Safety & Compliance
- Strict safety norms
- Machinery, ammonia gas, fire safety, electricity load compliance mandatory
- Mandatory insurance
- Building, machinery, compressor, generator backup
- Potato stock insurance required
Storage Operations (Potato Specific)
- Loading period
- 15 Feb – 31 March (only potato storage priority period)
Other crops storage
- Allowed only after potato loading period
- Must ensure no farmer’s potato remains un-stored
- Temperature & humidity control
- Must maintain suitable conditions for potato quality
Locking period
- No removal allowed during defined cooling period
Restrictions
- Egg storage banned
- Eggs cannot be stored with agricultural produce
- No harmful mixing
- No product that affects stored potatoes can be kept
Pricing & Charges
Storage charges
- Fixed for full season (15 Feb – 30 Nov)
- Partial withdrawal → proportionate charges
Stock & Exit Rules
- Final withdrawal notice
- Must notify farmers 15 days before storage end
- Post-period stock
- Outside regulation → mutual agreement basis
Operational Guidelines
- Waste management mandatory
- Energy efficiency & modern systems
- As per National Cold Chain Development guidelines
Licensing & Governance
- License mandatory
- No cold storage can operate without valid license/renewal
- Portal compliance
- Licensing & renewal must be uploaded on portal
Fire Safety Rules
- Separate norms for: New cold storages (2019 guidelines) &Old cold storages (2020 guidelines)
Farmer Protection
- Farmer Rights Charter Must be displayed at entrance (2x4 ft board)
Dispute prevention
- Strict compliance to avoid farmer loss disputes
Strict Enforcement
- Authorities instructed to ensure strict compliance across UP
What This Means for the Potato Ecosystem
These guidelines are expected to bring greater transparency, improve storage practices, and reduce disputes between farmers and cold storage operators—strengthening trust across the potato value chain.
The Uttar Pradesh government has issued comprehensive new guidelines for private cold storages to ensure better regulation, farmer protection, and operational transparency across the state.
The directive, based on the UP Cold Storage Regulation Act, 1976, mandates strict compliance by all cold storage operators and licensing authorities.
point-wise summary of the UP Cold Storage Guidelines Order:
Basic Context
- Issued by UP Government (2 April 2026) for private cold storage operations
- Based on UP Cold Storage Regulation Act, 1976 (amended 1997)
- Mandatory for all licensing authorities and cold storage operators
Key Regulatory Points
- No extra charges
- Cold storage owners cannot charge beyond approved storage/service fees
- Weight variation rule
- Loss/gain in weight due to moisture/drying beyond limits = treated as damage
Storage & Infrastructure Norms
- Rack & stacking standards
- Minimum spacing between racks: 0.75 m
- Distance from wall: 20 cm
- Gap from ceiling: 30 cm
- Max stacking: 6 bags per stack
- Mandatory spacing between bags
Stack rotation
- Bags must be rotated:
- First: within 45 days
- Second: within 90 days
Safety & Compliance
- Strict safety norms
- Machinery, ammonia gas, fire safety, electricity load compliance mandatory
- Mandatory insurance
- Building, machinery, compressor, generator backup
- Potato stock insurance required
Storage Operations (Potato Specific)
- Loading period
- 15 Feb – 31 March (only potato storage priority period)
Other crops storage
- Allowed only after potato loading period
- Must ensure no farmer’s potato remains un-stored
- Temperature & humidity control
- Must maintain suitable conditions for potato quality
Locking period
- No removal allowed during defined cooling period
Restrictions
- Egg storage banned
- Eggs cannot be stored with agricultural produce
- No harmful mixing
- No product that affects stored potatoes can be kept
Pricing & Charges
Storage charges
- Fixed for full season (15 Feb – 30 Nov)
- Partial withdrawal → proportionate charges
Stock & Exit Rules
- Final withdrawal notice
- Must notify farmers 15 days before storage end
- Post-period stock
- Outside regulation → mutual agreement basis
Operational Guidelines
- Waste management mandatory
- Energy efficiency & modern systems
- As per National Cold Chain Development guidelines
Licensing & Governance
- License mandatory
- No cold storage can operate without valid license/renewal
- Portal compliance
- Licensing & renewal must be uploaded on portal
Fire Safety Rules
- Separate norms for: New cold storages (2019 guidelines) &Old cold storages (2020 guidelines)
Farmer Protection
- Farmer Rights Charter Must be displayed at entrance (2x4 ft board)
Dispute prevention
- Strict compliance to avoid farmer loss disputes
Strict Enforcement
- Authorities instructed to ensure strict compliance across UP
What This Means for the Potato Ecosystem
These guidelines are expected to bring greater transparency, improve storage practices, and reduce disputes between farmers and cold storage operators—strengthening trust across the potato value chain.
Filed under#Potato Market#Cold Storage UP#Potato Storage