USDA Team Praises Bangladesh’s Mini Cold Storage Technology

A delegation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has visited a Farmers' Mini Cold Storage facility operated by Bangladesh's Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Savar, expressing appreciation for its role in reducing post-harvest losses and improving agricultural value chains.

During the visit on Tuesday (July 28), the delegation observed the facility's modern storage technologies and noted that small-scale cold storage systems at the farm level can significantly reduce food waste while helping farmers market their produce more efficiently.

The delegation included Dr. Catherine Fiedler, Director of USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services for South Asia, Erin Covert, Agricultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, and USDA Agricultural Specialist Md. Tanvir Ahmed.

Project officials said most fruits and vegetables stored at the facility remain fresh for one week to one month, with minimal changes in color, freshness, and quality. The visitors praised the effectiveness of the preservation technology.

Project Director Talha Zubair Mashrur said Bangladesh loses a significant volume of fruits and vegetables every year due to inadequate storage facilities. The mini cold storage initiative helps farmers reduce losses and sell produce when market prices are more favorable.

He added that the USDA delegation showed keen interest in the project's storage technology, temperature management system, and farmer-oriented operational model, expressing willingness to explore future cooperation with Bangladesh.

The project is being implemented by the Department of Agricultural Extension with funding from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund. So far, 147 mini cold storage facilities have been established across the country, strengthening Bangladesh's technology-driven agricultural storage infrastructure.
//DBTech/JNO/SME//