On July 15, 2025, within the framework of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Regions” (IADAAM) project, a study and knowledge exchange visit was organized for farmers and local government representatives from Baghramyan and Norakert settlements of Parakar Community in Armavir region.
The visit was organized by the AEST Armavir team, led by coordinator Vardan Hambardzumyan, with full team participation through on-site presentations and direct farmer engagement. They were joined by Vardan Ivanyan, coordinator of the AEST Vedi team, whose presence further strengthened inter-regional collaboration and knowledge exchange of practical expertise. The delegation also included Hakob Harutyunyan, Chief Specialist for Urban Development, Land Management, Agriculture, and Environmental Protection at the Parakar Municipality.
The program included the following key components:
🔹 Visits to pistachio orchards, where participants were introduced to orchard planning principles, varietal selection criteria, planting and grafting techniques, drip irrigation systems, water reservoir infrastructure, as well as nutrient and pest management practices.
🔹 Visits to multi-crop farms, with a focus on crop rotation and intercropping techniques aimed at improving soil health, increasing productivity, and mitigating agricultural risks. The discussions also addressed climate adaptation strategies and approaches to improving market access.
🔹 Tour of a pistachio processing facility, offering insights into post-harvest processing stages, quality assurance mechanisms, packaging practices and competitiveness strategies. The visit also highlighted the potential for integrating smallholder farmers into value-added processing and market systems.
✅ Through such targeted interventions, IADAAM project continues to strengthen farmer capacities and expand access to high-quality agricultural advisory services across its target communities in the Ararat and Armavir regions.
Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes (IADAAM) project, financed through the European Union (EU) with implementation by the French Development Agency (AFD) is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia.
Within IADAAM project a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas, provide technical support to the MoE in the implementing project activities, ensure communication and reporting for the IADAAM project.