On 31 October 2024, The Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia in cooperation with the consortium, providing technical assistance organized the launch event of the Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project.

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. 

This project focuses on modernizing irrigation infrastructure and enhancing agricultural practices to build a more sustainable and productive agriculture system. By addressing both water management and agricultural development, the project aims to support farmers and stakeholders in the Ararat and Armavir regions. 

Within the IADAAM project a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by Agriconsulting Europe S.A, Avenue Consulting Group, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas.

The event started with the welcoming speech of Arman Khojoyan, RA Deputy Minister of Economy, who emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability: “ This project will open a new page for the agricultural sector of Armenia, contributing to the implementation of the current reforms in the irrigation sector by the Government, the introduction of innovative sustainable mechanisms aimed at the development of irrigated agriculture, the adjustment of the farmers’ agricultural experience to the current requirements through the quality training program of the farmers and the expansion of the cultivation of crops that provide high added value.”, – Deputy Minister said.

Mr. Khojoyan was followed by Vache Terteryan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, who highlighted the importance of infrastructure
for agriculture development: “The project is particularly important from the point of view of the development of Armenia’s agriculture and effective management of water resources”.

Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Armenia talked about the support and importance of this project for Armenia. “We are glad that we are already at this stage, this project is a long-awaited project. Ararat and Armavir are important marzes from the point of view of agricultural development. We hope that thanks to this program we will register an increase in productivity, and it will change the agricultural landscape in Armenia”-said Mr. Hess. 

Lise Enezian, Project Officer for Armenia at French Development Agency, insights on the project’s collaborative approach: “We have the European expertise and French experience, as well as the high qualification of the team implementing the project, we are certain to achieve success.”

The welcoming speeches were followed by the project introduction presented by Stefan Rosenow, Team Leader on behalf of A.E.S.A. Joint Venture consortium Lead, who outlined the project’s goals and presented the project structure and planned interventions. During the event attendees had an opportunity not only to be introduced to the project’s objectives but also to the project directions such as including the establishment of a sustainable advisory system, strategies to include smallholder farmers, the implementation of high-value agriculture, and the introduction of modern, efficient irrigation systems.

The event was attended by representatives of the government, local self-government bodies, water committee, civil society, scientific and educational institutions. The event wrapped up with a lively discussion that emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing climate change challenges and improving agricultural practices in Armenia.