The inauguration of the cold storage setup at Allama Iqbal international Air port, Lahore is seen as a boost to the government’s efforts of promoting the efficient movement of agribusiness support through the Agribusiness Development Project, MINFAL. Agribusiness is one of the potential sectors which can deliver results to eradicate rural poverty, provide more fruits, vegetables, milk and meat to the ever increasing population as well as progressing the economy. This was said by Mr. Akram Khalid, Project Director of Agribusiness Development Project in press release,

He said, in the country 30 percent of fruits and vegetables produced each year are lost or wasted because of poor or lack of processing and storage facilities and poor harvesting management. This loss if calculated approximately amounts to 1.6 million tons, the major reasons for the loss are careless harvesting, rough handling, inadequate transportation and storage facilities. The purpose of establishment of Cold storage facility at Allama Iqbal international Air port Lahore is to cater the cold storage needs of exporters, importers and traders and storage of vegetables and fruits is to preserve and maintain the edible quality characteristics until they are consumed in the fresh state, which the “compartmentalized Cold Storage Serves”. The cold storage facility at air port, Lahore is an initiative of the Government of Punjab which is the fist step towards developing the post harvest infrastructure by providing a crucial link in the cold chain. It will enhance trading volumes and increase the off take form of the farmers, traditional crops to hi-value, high density farming methods and techniques