As part of the ongoing collaboration, the project teams held discussions with the Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, Ms. Tatevik Sargsyan, the Head of the Livestock Department, Mr. Tigran Aleksanyan, and the Head of the Agricultural Programs Design Department, Ms. Ira Panosyan. The meeting focused on opportunities for sectoral cooperation, during which the teams presented the projects’ key components, current activities, and upcoming steps.

Particular attention was paid to the development of the livestock sector, the effective and targeted design of agricultural projects, and their coordinated alignment with state policies.

Within the framework of the meeting, Lilit Petrosyan, responsible for the “Improving Access to Milk and Meat” component of the INLIMA project, presented the project’s approach to fostering constructive dialogue and outlined the conceptual framework proposed by the project.

The meeting served as an important platform for strengthening cooperation, exchanging expertise, and developing shared approaches to sectoral priorities. The parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued and constructive collaboration aimed at the sustainable development of agriculture in Armenia.

The “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the UN World Food Programme.

“Innovative Livestock Management: Animal Migration, Breeding & Markets” (INLIMA) project is implemented by Strategic Development Agency NGO and funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), the operational unit of Austrian Development Cooperation.

Within the framework of the “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project, two short-term training courses on “Best Practices in Poultry Farming” were conducted in the Gegharkunik and Syunik regions from December 4 to 10. As part of the initiative, home visits were also organized to the places of residence of refugees.

The trainings were delivered by Mark Heijmans, a poultry specialist and veterinarian from the PUM organization, who shared modern, practical, and field-oriented knowledge in poultry production. The participants were forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh residing in the communities of Goris, Sisian, Gavar, Vardenis, and Chambarak.

The trainings were delivered by Marc Heijmans, an expert from the PUM and a veterinarian–poultry specialist, who shared modern, practical, and applicable knowledge in the field of poultry farming. Participants included forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh residing in the communities of Goris, Sisian, Gavar, Vardenis, and Chambarak.

During the home visits, the expert assessed the on-site conditions of the farms and provided tailored consultations, focusing in particular on:

• modern methods for the prevention and control of poultry diseases,
• effective housing and husbandry practices,
• increasing egg and meat production.

This initiative, implemented under the SEIRA project, aims to promote sustainable self-employment and income-generating opportunities for displaced persons by building on knowledge, professional expertise, and solutions adapted to local conditions.

The “Socio-Economic Integration of Refugees in Armenia” (SEIRA) project is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and implemented by the Strategic Development Agency NGO and the UN World Food Programme.