On August 29, a new cold storage and logistics center for fruits and vegetables opened in the village of Tort-Gul, Batken region, ahead of Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day. The event was attended online by the President of Kyrgyzstan, representatives of KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency, South Korea), the NGO Good Neighbors, local officials, and residents.
The center, part of the "Integrated Rural Development" project, has a storage capacity of 500 tonnes and features modern refrigeration equipment to reduce crop losses, extend shelf life, and ensure a stable supply to domestic and export markets.
Funding came from KOICA, Good Neighbors, and the Kyrgyz government, with local authorities covering about 42% of construction costs. The logistics center is operated by the cooperative "Batken Berekelüü Aymak," which has already signed a contract with Sun Planet Organic for dried apricot supplies.
Officials expect the center to increase farmers' incomes and support sustainable rural development in Batken. KOICA will continue to assist in strengthening the region's agricultural economy.
Source: 24.kg