(1) Subject to the availability of fund, the market committee, may arrange, for the temporary storage or stocking of notified agricultural produce brought by the producer into the market
(2) Whenever any notified agricultural produce brought to the market by the producer for sale is not sold on the same day, the Head of market may permit, subject to the availability of accommodation, the temporary storage of such produce in the premises of the market at the owner’s risk and responsibility, till it is sold or upto a period of 15 days, whichever is less
(3) While permitting such temporary storage, the Head of market shall give preference to the small farmers and marginal farmers. A godown register in Form 24 shall be maintained by every Head of market for this purpose
Provided that when such agricultural produce is not sold in the market and the producer wishes to keep the produce beyond the period specified in sub-rule
(2), he shall pay to the market committee such amount not less than 0.05p. (paise five only) but not exceeding 0.25 paise (paise twenty-five only) per quintal per day towards storage charges as fixed by the market committee for each market from time to time considering the locality, market rent etc:
Provided further that the total period of storage under sub-rule (2) shall not exceed a period of 180 days.
(4) On completion of the said period of 180 days, the Head of market shall give notice to the producer to the effect that the agricultural produce stored shall be sold in the same manner as other agricultural produce, if the same is not removed or sold by the producer within a week from the date of receipt of such notice if the producer fails to remove or sell the agricultural produce stored, within the timelimit, the Head of market shall sell the same in the same manner as other agricultural produce.
(5) The market committee, may in addition to the storage charge, fix such amount towards insurance or fumigation charge.