The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Nookat Almasy Cooperative have inaugurated the largest cold storage facility in Nookat district, Osh oblast, Kyrgyz Republic, which will generate 200 full-time jobs and boost farmers' market opportunities.
With a total storage capacity of 1,000 tons, the facility aims to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. The cooling equipment, valued at over 7 million KGS ($78,400), was provided by USAID through its Agro Trade Activity. This facility can store apples and raspberries for up to four months, extending their shelf life and enabling farmers to sell their produce at higher prices when market conditions are favorable.
Since 2018, the U.S. government has supported the establishment of over 20 new cold storage facilities in the Kyrgyz Republic's southern regions, increasing storage capacity by more than double to 12,500 tons. These facilities have significantly reduced food spoilage by 40% and created income-generating opportunities for over 4,000 farmers.
