As part of the IADAAM Project’s ongoing commitment to institutional cooperation and field-level engagement, Team Leader Sergiu Botezatu conducted a series of high-level working meetings in Armavir and Ararat marzes.

The visit commenced at the IADAAM Agricultural Extension Service Team (AEST) Office in Baghramyan, where Mr. Botezatu met with the AEST Armavir team and Arthur Avetisyan, the Head of Baghramyan Settlement. The discussions centered on the progress of extension activities, coordination with local self-government bodies, and the strategic alignment of advisory services with the evolving needs of farmers. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing irrigation challenges as a priority, given that the irrigation system is not yet operational, and on identifying practical steps to support its effective functioning for the benefit of local farmers.

Continuing in Ararat marz, the Team Leader held a constructive meeting with Shamo Bakoyan, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection of the Vedi Community. The dialogue addressed regional agricultural development priorities, environmental sustainability considerations, and opportunities for strengthening synergies between municipal structures and the IADAAM project framework. The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of fostering resilient, climate-smart, and economically viable irrigated agriculture systems.

The visit also included a meeting with a demonstration farm applicant at the IADAAM AEST Avshar Office. The discussion focused on the role of demonstration farms as practical learning hubs, the selection process, and the strategic importance of showcasing innovative technologies and best practices to accelerate knowledge transfer across farming communities.

These engagements highlight IADAAM’s proactive, partnership-driven approach and its continued emphasis on building strong institutional collaboration, empowering local actors, and advancing sustainable agricultural development in Armenia’s regions.

The Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes (IADAAM) project, financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), aims to transform irrigated agriculture in Armenia.

Implemented by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia, the project’s technical assistance is provided by a consortium comprising AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO, and 3R Strategy LLC, with the aim of strengthening agricultural policy and advancing sector reforms.

As part of the INLIMA Project, the project team held a series of working meetings in the Aragatsotn region, bringing together representatives of veterinary services, dairy processing enterprises, and slaughterhouses from the communities of Ashtarak, Talin, and Aparan.

The meetings serve as a starting point for the project’s forthcoming interventions. These will include a practical assessment of herd movement organization and management, the identification of gaps and development needs across veterinary services, dairy processing, and slaughtering operations, and the joint development of coordination mechanisms and targeted actions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and structured development of the livestock value chain.

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