New Delhi, March 22 (IANS) The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Monday decided to make efforts to augment storage capacity in the cooperative sector and promote the development of cold storage infrastructure throughout the country in the coming year.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who presided over the NCDC's general council meeting, had asked it to launch a special and concerted effort to attain this objective. Besides, NCDC's board meeting held March 17 also laid special emphasis on development of cold storage facility throughout the country.

The decision was taken in the wake of increased loss of food grain and vegetables in the godowns across the country.

'The benefits of storage facility in the cooperative sector are well known, in terms of improving the rural economy and strengthening livelihoods, while reducing wastage and enhancing food availability,' Pawar said, while assuring the government's full support in the endeavour.

Supporting the vast cooperative network at the national level, the NCDC is engaged in the promotion and development of cooperative in agriculture and rural oriented activities.