“The Future of Agriculture Depends on Embracing Innovation” – Meruzhan Gharibyan

Meruzhan Gharibyan stands in his smart farm in Getavan, watching over his cattle. There is no rush, no loud commands, no chaotic movement—just the quiet hum of technology working in harmony with nature. With a single push of a button, the barn is cleaned. A digital system monitors the cows’ health and milk production, alerting him to any potential issues before they arise. This is not the agriculture of the past. This is the future, and Meruzhan is one of the leaders.

From Law to Farming

Meruzhan Gharibyan was not always a farmer. Originally trained as a lawyer, his journey took an unexpected turn when he realized that his true calling lay in agriculture. Over the past 25 years, he has dedicated himself to farming, raising pedigree cows and ensuring that his livestock receives the best possible care. However, as the years passed, he saw the challenges facing traditional farming: declining interest, economic struggles, and a lack of modern methods. “Agriculture is a declining sector,” he says. “If we did not switch to innovative approaches, we would not have survived.”

Two years ago, he took a bold step and transitioned his farm into a fully automated, smart system. The shift was not easy—acquiring equipment, adapting to new management techniques, and rethinking decades of traditional practices. But he was determined.

A Farm Without Borders

Meruzhan Gharibyan now manages his farm remotely, sometimes even from Vanadzor, using digital controls to oversee operations. “From Vanadzor, I can clean the barn with one button,” he says with a grin. Sensors track everything from milk production to cow health, ensuring efficiency and quality. The result is higher-quality milk, sold at a premium price.

“In an average farm, milk is bought for 130 drams per liter. Our milk is 170 drams because of its quality,” he explains. “Everything is done in a closed cycle—no human hands touch the milk from the cow to the container. This ensures both hygiene and efficiency.”

But for Meruzhan Gharibyan, innovation is not just about automation—it’s about sustainability. His farm also provides its own feed, ensuring full control over the production chain. Opening a milk and dairy workshop is among his future plans.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the biggest challenges Meruzhan Gharibyan sees is the aging of agricultural professions. “No one is interested in traditional agriculture, especially not the youth,” he says. “A lot has changed in people’s perceptions.”

That is why his farm has become a training ground for students. Apprentices from Stepanavan State Agricultural College visit, learning firsthand how modern farming works. “They see that people communicate with animals from a distance, that in some cases, they don’t even open or close doors because everything is automated.”

Though apprentices may not be full-time employees yet, Meruzhan sees their training as an investment in the future. And it’s a two-way street—while he teaches them farming, they teach him digital communication skills. Even his own son has joined the effort, making the farm a true family legacy.

Highly appreciating his partnership with the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, Meruzhan emphasizes the importance of training courses, opportunities to improve soft skills, and exchange visits to Austria and Switzerland (upcoming), where he has learned from some of the best in the field. “The partnership wasn’t just about technical support,” he says. “It was about constantly learning, growing, and bringing new ideas home.”

Breaking Stereotypes

Meruzhan Gharibyan prioritizes the changes in public’s perception of farming. “When you say you need a milkman, no one responds. But when you advertise for a milk operator, people stand in line,” he says. Words matter, and so does the image of agriculture.

Stereotypes of village barns and backbreaking labor are being replaced by visions of high-tech, efficient farms. “Visiting new smart farms will change your opinion,” he insists. “Agriculture is not just about survival—it’s about solving the food security problem, saving villages, and taking control of the land.

“If we don’t keep cows, where will we get butter and cheese?” he asks a rethoric question.

The Will to Change

When asked what it takes to build a farm like his, Meruzhan doesn’t mention money first. “Willpower,” he says with a smile. “Then land and investment.”

His farm is proof that the future of agriculture is not just about technology, but about mindset. The willingness to adapt, to innovate, and to inspire the next generation is what will keep farming alive in Armenia.

Agriculture is a lifestyle։ Hayk Aslanyan

In the aftermath of the war, rebuilding one’s life is no easy feat. For Hayk Aslanyan, a partner of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, the challenges of the post-war period have only reinforced his belief in the importance of farming and education.

From Family Legacy to a New Beginning

Aslanyan finds farming more than a profession—a part of his heritage.

“I’ve been involved in farming since my childhood. My grandfather was a farmer, and his efforts laid the foundation for our family’s farm in Artsakh. Unfortunately, after the war, he stepped away from farming. Like many others, we were forced to leave and resettle in Goris, my birthplace,” Aslanyan explains.

Despite the hardships, he refused to give up. “We had a cattle barn from the Soviet era in Goris that had been neglected. After the war, I focused on restoring it. It’s not easy, but step by step, I’m rebuilding what we lost,” he continues confidently.

A Path to Education

Hayk Aslanyan’s passion for agriculture led him to Goris State Agricultural College, where he now combines practical experience with formal education.

“Studying at the Armenian National Agrarian University in Yerevan wasn’t possible for me due to family and work commitments here in Syunik. When the Goris State Agricultural College introduced dual education programs in agriculture, I knew it was my chance. It allowed me to strengthen my practice with theoretical knowledge,” Aslanyan highlights.

Dual education—a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training—has become a cornerstone of Aslanyan’s learning experience.

“Students in dual education benefit from both worlds. Teachers provide theoretical knowledge, while farmers like myself offer hands-on training. The better equipped and organized the farm, the more meaningful the practical experience becomes,” he explains.

The Role of MAVETA

Hayk Aslanyan has joined the MAVETA project recently. Being involved as both an apprentice and an employer, he says it creates opportunities not only for students, but also for educators and farmers.

“It’s encouraging to see how such projects can bridge education and practical work in agriculture,” he emphasizes.

When asked if farming is an attractive path for young people, Aslanyan’s answer was clear: passion is key.

“Agriculture is a lifestyle. If you don’t love it, you won’t succeed. But for those who truly care about it, there’s immense satisfaction in working hard and seeing the fruits of your labor.”

He also has a message for those hesitant to change the field and pursue agriculture later in life. “Education has no age limit. The longer we live, the more we learn. If someone hasn’t found success in another field but loves agriculture, they should embrace it geniunely. With love and dedication, everything will work out,” sum ups Hayk Aslanyan.

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“Passion for Dairy: Maximizing Milk Production” – Arpine Sargsyan

“Passion for Dairy: Maximizing Milk Production” – Arpine Sargsyan

As part of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, we discussed plans to expand milk and dairy production in the Lori region, engage apprentices from the Stepanavan State Agricultural College, and further develop the expertise of Arpine Sargsyan, a cheese master at “VIVA KAT” dairy production company, a project partner.

Arpine Sargsyan lives and works in the city of Tashir, located in the north of her native Lori province. A region known for its cheese production, where cheese festivals are held.

For more than five years, she has been a cheese master at the “VIVA” Dairy Factory․ The company, which has been operating since 2003, initially produced only cheese. Since 2019, it has expanded its activities to include dairy products.

“Working with milk is an art,” Arpine explains, her eyes lighting up as she talks about her craft. “I love the process of transforming it into something valuable, something people enjoy. My goal is always to get the maximum output while maintaining the highest quality,” she continues, emphasizing that the dairy products are produced from pure milk from the company’s own dairy farm, in accordance with food production standards.

“The cheese assortment includes chanakh, lori, chechil, and burried cheeses, and the dairy products include sour cream, yogurt, strained yogurt, curd, and buttermilk,” the young cheese master enthusiastically lists the products offered by their company.

 

Dedication in Every Detail

Her commitment to her work was evident even on her birthday, a day most people reserve for celebration. Meanwhile, Arpine was walking around the workshop, coordinating the activities of her colleagues, giving instructions to students of the Stepanavan State Agricultural College, who were strengthening their theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

She also remembers the previous birthday with a smile. “The director called and said that we received 5 tons of milk, from which we need to make cheese. It wasn’t easy, but when you love what you do, even such challenges seem rewarding,” continues Arpine.

Shaping the Next Generation

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, Arpine collaborates with apprentices from the Stepanavan State Agricultural College, another partner of the project. As an employer and mentor, she sees great potential in young specialists.

“Every apprentice is unique,” she says, emphasizing her individual approach to mentorship. “Some are quick learners, others need more guidance, but I tailor my teaching to their abilities. We need skilled specialists in this field, and I’m happy to help shape them.”

Challenges and Aspirations

Despite her success, Arpine acknowledges the challenges of working in the dairy industry. “We are planning to equip our laboratory with modern equipment to strictly control the entire production process,” she says. “And as much as I’ve learned on the job, I feel the need to deepen my theoretical knowledge.”

This desire for growth has inspired her to consider enrolling in an agricultural college to formalize her expertise. “I have the practical experience, but completing the theoretical part will make me even better at what I do,” she says confidently.

A Vision for the Future

Arpine’s vision for the future goes beyond her personal growth. She dreams of elevating the standards of dairy production in Lori and inspiring more young people to join the field. “There is so much potential here,” she says. “With the right training and equipment, we can make Lori a hub for high-quality dairy products.”

For Arpine, her work is more than a job—it’s a calling. “Milk isn’t just an ingredient,” she says with a smile. “It’s the foundation of a tradition, a livelihood, and a future we can build together.”

Through her dedication and love for her craft, Arpine Sargsyan is not only producing dairy products but also nurturing a legacy of quality, innovation, and mentorship in Lori province of Armenia.

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“If you do not enter the farm with love, you will not become a specialist.” Gagik Andranikyan, MAVETA project partner.

Within the framework of the “Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia” (MAVETA) project, we spoke with Gagik Andranikyan, a project partner, about the demand for veterinarians and animal artificial insemination technicians in Syunik region, job prospects, the advantages of apprenticeships, and cooperation with the MAVETA project.

 We met Andranikyan at his farm, which is located in the Verishen settlement of the Goris community. Before privatization, there was an artificial insemination station here. Now it is a family farm.

Q: How many years have you been involved in artificial insemination of animals?

A: 33 years. I have been working since 1991. Before that, since 1986, back in the days of the Soviet Union, I also worked here as the chief animal breeder. At that time, we were inseminating approximately 8-9 thousand animals per year. After the collapse of the USSR, we somehow maintained certain standards, but it did not last very long. As in the entire republic, there were many problems: people were either not able to pay, or did not want to, or there were other issues. However, we have always been ready to work and have not refused anyone.

There is little demand now. The main reason given is the price increases, but in reality, those who want to use this service do not look at the price.

Q: In your opinion, is the experience of the artificial insemination justified?

A: It is definitely justified. Today, milk production is quite high, and animal keepers and sole proprietors know this well.

While evaluating milk production and productivity, you feel that these standards are high in artificially inseminated cattle, and people take this step consciously.

Q: We also know that you are a partner of the MAVETA project. How did the collaboration begin?

A: I have been working with the Strategic Development Agency for about 14 years. We cooperate and do it well. I am conscientious in all matters, in all areas of activity. I will say the same about the SDA. Years ago, they came and trained specialists in artificial insemination of animals in the region, about 11-12 people. I was working in my specialty at that time, and I continue to do the same today.

Q: Is there a demand? We also know that you are collaborating with the Goris State Agricultural College. What does that entail?

A: Yes, the cooperation with the Goris Agricultural College is implemented through the MAVETA project.

Look, it is scheduled that students should come, but there are not many yet. I would like more students to choose this specialty and come to the farm for practical training. During my student years, most students at the agrarian university studied for a diploma. This problem is partly still present now. If you came to study veterinary medicine, then study to become a veterinarian, instead of saying, “I have also studied and graduated from the agricultural college.”

Q: In your opinion, does Dual education, which has already been implemented, for example, for the same veterinary specialty, motivate students to become better specialists?

A: It is a very good project. I also think that theory and practice should complement each other. Now the meaning of the project is that the student, in this case the apprentice, becomes a competitive specialist and does not just read theory and forget it tomorrow, but sees it in practice, applies it and becomes a specialist. Moreover, a specialist, in order to be a good specialist and work well, has no right to engage in any other work besides his/her specialty. Only in this way can he/she delve into his/her field, instead of thinking about extraneous issues. A veterinarian, an artificial insemination technician should be free to be on call, because they deal with animals and cannot plan anything related to them.

They send apprentices to me to teach me the techniques of artificial insemination. I have agreed with great pleasure: let them come, I will teach them, I will reveal my latest secrets to them.

 

Q: What would you say to students, future veterinarians, or those interested in becoming an animal artificial insemination technician?

A: I am ready to help every minute, every second to the best of my ability. I do not have to say “no”, “I don’t have time”, “tomorrow, the next day or the day after that”. This service is like a medical emergency, you must always be ready. If you are not ready, then you lose a client. That’s it. Here, a birthday, wedding, New Year or other ceremonies should not affect in any way. This is a doctor’s job: you must be able to do your job without interruption.

Q: Thank you.

A: You are welcome.

 

The MAVETA project is funded by a broad coalition of international and local organizations led by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Austrian Development Agency, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Government of Armenia, the Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER) NGO, Izmirlian Foundation, the Strategic Development Agency (SDA) NGO and Vanand Agro CJSC.

 The project’s implementing partners are the GIZ and HEKS/EPER with the involvement of SDA and the School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (HAFL).

Every treated animal is a testament to the admiration of the veterinary profession

“After the treatment of each animal, I admire my work and profession,” says veterinarian Aragats Ghulunts, who admitted that he didn’t initially dream of becoming a veterinarian upon finishing school.

In his modernly equipped veterinary clinic in the village of Tegh, Ghulunts reminisces about past discussions regarding his career choice. “I was dreaming of becoming a serviceman and had prepared my documents for admission to a military academy. I was the youngest in the family, and my mother was not reconciled to the idea of me living far away. I gave in to my mother’s urge and my father’s advice to become a veterinarian,” Ghulunts explained, emphasizing that his decision was made hastily and without any initial interest in the profession.

However, he quickly grew to love it. “If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t have worked for 34 years,” he added with a smile, noting that he has never been absent from work in all that time.

After finishing his studies in Yerevan, Aragats Ghulunts started his career at the veterinary station in Goris. In 1992, after his father was wounded during the Artsakh war, he returned to his native village and became the community veterinarian in Tegh, serving the neighboring villages as well.

“The meeting with the Strategic Development Agency NGO has significantly impacted both my life and career,” Ghulunts noted, highlighting the organization’s support in equipping the veterinary center with modern tools and technology.

Over the years, the stereotype that there is no need to pay for animal treatment has changed. Today, veterinary services are recognized as paid services. Although Ghulunts finds it easier to work with animals than their owners, he emphasizes the importance of following safety rules, as animals can be aggressive. He recalled a recent incident: “I went to the farm to treat a cow. The cow was familiar; I had helped it a few days ago. I confidently approached, but it hit my knee so hard that I couldn’t move for a month.”

Ghulunts regrets that the number of large and small cattle in the region has significantly decreased in recent years, a decline attributed to the lack of pastures following the loss of liberated territories after the 2020 war. “Lack of income frustrates farmers from properly caring for their animals,” he regretfully recorded.

According to Aragats Ghulunts, the most important qualities for a veterinarian are respect and trust from farmers and the community, which are not easily earned. “It happens that you get a call at three or four o’clock in the morning. You wake up, get dressed, and without a word go to help the animal. You don’t even consider another option,” he shared, adding that he always keeps his phone available, ready to provide advice even over long distances.