Kolkata, May 13 (IANS): West Bengal Agricultural Marketing Minister Arup Roy on Wednesday said there is a need of setting up more cold storages in the state to ensure food security and prevent wastage of crops which climbs to as high as 40 percent of the total produce.

"I urge people to invest in cold storages in the state," he said at an event organised by MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry here.

Roy said although there has been an increase of 50 percent of available storage space in the state, it is not enough to meet the demands.

"At least 50 percent of cold storage renewals are required. If there is one cold storage along with every Krishak Bazaar, it will enable farmers to store excess crops and vegetables for future use," he said.

According to the minister, the state government has planned to soon set-up another 85 Krishak Bazars in the state after completing 94.

These bazaars were initiated by the state government to ensure that the farmers are able to sell their produce directly to the customers thereby eliminating the role of the middleman.

Roy also said zero-balance bank accounts will be opened for farmers in the state and they will have access to loans.