The U.S. government through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Nookat Almasy Cooperative have opened the largest cold storage facility in Nookat district in Kyrgyzstan’s southern Osh region that will generate 200 full-time jobs and help farmers expand their sales and market opportunities. With a total storage capacity of 1,000 tons, the facility will enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the district, the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan reported.
Nookat Almasy Cooperative received cooling equipment worth over 7 million KGS ($78,400) from USAID through its Agro Trade Activity. The facility can store locally grown apples and raspberries for up to four months, extending their shelf life and allowing the farmers to sell them at a higher price when market conditions improve. The enhanced storage will help maintain market stability and ensure a reliable and consistent food supply throughout the year.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Bakyt Torobaev and USAID Mission Director in the Kyrgyz Republic Kaya Adams attended the inauguration ceremony.
Since 2018, the U.S. government has helped establish over 20 new cold storage facilities in Kyrgyzstan’s southern regions. These facilities have a total storage capacity of 12,500 tons, more than doubling the storage capacity in the region. They have the capacity to decrease food spoilage by 40% and create income-generating activities for over 4,000 farmers.
