1. Why it Matters for Best Outcomes

Harvesting crops is only half the story — what happens after harvest often decides whether farming is profitable or not. Access to cold storages, warehouses, milling units, drying yards, or small processing plants can protect farmers from distress sales, reduce wastage, and unlock higher value through grading, packaging, or processing. A farm close to such facilities is automatically more competitive and resilient.

2. Easy Access: The Advantages

When storage or processing is nearby, farmers gain more control over timing of sales. Instead of being forced to sell immediately (often at low prices), they can store produce until market conditions improve. Perishables like vegetables, fruits, and milk benefit immensely from cold storage or chilling plants. Processing units (like oil expellers, rice mills, pulping machines) allow farmers to sell semi-finished products at better margins.

3. Poor Access: The Limitations

Without nearby storage or processing, farmers face high post-harvest losses, especially in perishable commodities. They are left with no choice but to sell quickly, even at unfavorable prices. Transportation to distant facilities adds cost and erodes profitability. The lack of such infrastructure also discourages diversification into high-value crops or value-added ventures, keeping farmers stuck in low-return cycles.