On December 20-21, a hands-on pruning training was conducted in the Ararat community for local farmers. The training introduced participants to modern approaches to pruning and canopy formation of fruit crops, combining theory with on-site practical demonstrations.

The sessions covered the specific pruning techniques for stone fruit trees, as well as almond, raspberry, mulberry, black mulberry, blackberry, and grapevine, based on science-driven practices and efficient orchard management principles

Through practical work and peer-to-peer experience sharing, farmers enhanced their professional skills aimed at proper orchard management, healthy plant development, and sustainably increasing productivity.

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 (AFD), 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 AESA, 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 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.