Apr 15, 2010 10:17 AM

The World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO), a core partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA); and FrigiPak Pakistan have entered into a joint effort called the Pakistan Cold Chain Assessment to evaluate the feasibility of developing a sustainable cold chain in Pakistan.

The partners have received a $392,328 grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support the project.

WFLO is dedicated to improving storage, transportation, and handling of perishable goods worldwide. It has undertaken similar assessments in other nations and has implemented projects in remote areas of the world, leading to viable improvements in the farm-to-market flow of goods.

FrigiPak Pakistan was formed by two Pakistani entrepreneurs who have joined forces.

The Pakistan Cold Chain Assessment will focus on issues of cold storage infrastructure, technological availability, post-harvest capabilities, and economic strengths and weakness. This assessment will also identify locations for potential investment and positive fiscal returns in the cold chain. The effort will begin with a desktop review of past and current projects in Pakistan, followed by an intensive in-country assessment of five geographic locations.

The Pakistan Horticulture Education, Extension and Training System estimates that 20% to 40% of perishable products are lost before they can be consumed, mainly due to high rates of bruising, water loss, rancidity, and spoilage, during post-harvest handling.

The assessment will examine the existing cold chain in Pakistan, including technical assistance and commercial development needed to improve post-harvest handling. The findings and conclusions of the assessment will be documented in a final report, which will include recommendations on needs for technical assistance as well as opportunities for future investment.

For more details about the GCCA, visit www.gcca.org.