Dhaka, Feb. 4 -- A sudden and sharp increase in cold-storage rent for potatoes has triggered widespread discontent among farmers, who are calling the hike "unreasonable" and a potential disaster for their livelihoods.

The rent has surged from Tk 4.0 to Tk 8.0 a kilogramme despite no significant rise in electricity costs or operational expenses for cold storage facilities in recent months.

Farmers around the country are protesting against the decision, warning that it will lead to higher potato prices for consumers in the later months and make the potato market volatile again.

The Bangladesh Cold Storage Association (BCA), representing 405 cold storages, has set the maximum rent at Tk 8.0 a kg for the current season. They, however, clai...