The southern region of Kyrgyzstan is set to double its food storage capacity with the generous support of the U.S. government. In a move aimed at enhancing agricultural infrastructure and bolstering the livelihoods of local farmers, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek has reported that a groundbreaking cold storage facility in the Osh region is poised to revolutionize the agricultural landscape.
The U.S. government, via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has played a pivotal role in equipping this new cold storage facility, which is expected to not only significantly boost the incomes of 300 farmers but also generate additional employment opportunities within the region. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the facility will guarantee the availability of high-quality produce for Kyrgyzstani families.
The inauguration ceremony for this remarkable initiative witnessed the presence of several prominent figures, including Janybek Pazylov, Head of Japalak Local Administration; James Lykos, the USAID representative; and representatives from ECO Azyk, a local business and crucial partner in this venture.
USAID collaborated closely with ECO Azyk to provide state-of-the-art cooling equipment, valued at 6,910 mn soms ($78,183), for the cold storage facility located in Japalak village within the Osh region. With this innovative equipment in place, the facility will have the capacity to freeze and store up to 300 tons of fruits and berries, both for domestic consumption and international markets. Beyond the immediate economic benefits to farmers and workers, the facility's enhanced storage capabilities will ensure that produce remains fresh long after the typical growing season.
Ali Tavaldiev, the head of ECO Azyk, highlighted the advantages of cold storage, stating;
"One of the benefits of using cold storage is that the cold delays chemical changes and the growth of microorganism enzymes in foods. Simply put, 90% of berries can now maintain their freshness during storage."
James Lykos, Director of the USAID/Kyrgyzstan Economic Development Office, emphasized the positive impact of cold storage on both farmers and consumers, saying;
"Cold storage preserves fruits and vegetables, reducing spoilage. By reducing waste, cold storage boosts smallholder farmers’ profits. This also allows farmers and companies to provide high-quality products in the off-season and meet consumer demand."
This endeavor is part of USAID's Agro Trade Activity, a program that has been collaborating with Kyrgyz firms since 2018 to establish a total of 20 new cold storage facilities in the southern region of the Kyrgyz Republic. With a combined storage capacity of 12,000 tons, these facilities are set to increase the cold storage capacity in the region by over 200%. Moreover, they hold the potential to reduce food spoilage by a significant 40% and create new income-generating opportunities for more than 4,000 farmers.
This remarkable collaboration between the U.S. government, local businesses, and agricultural stakeholders is not only strengthening Kyrgyzstan's agricultural sector but also improving food security and economic prospects for the entire region. With expanded storage capacity and enhanced preservation methods, this initiative is poised to have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of farmers and consumers alike.
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