09 Jan
SuccessStoriesENG

“Passion for Dairy: Maximizing Milk Production:” Arpine Sargsyan, MAVETA Project Instructor

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.

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).

26 Dec
SuccessStoriesARM, SuccessStoriesARM, SuccessStoriesARM, SuccessStoriesARM, SuccessStoriesARM

“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).

12 Jun
Uncategorized

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.

10 Jun
SuccessStoriesENG, SuccessStoriesENG, SuccessStoriesENG, SuccessStoriesENG

A veterinarian should be widely perceived as a person with knowledge

When I rescued an animal for the first time, I became convinced that saving animals is achievable with the right knowledge,” says Armen Jaghinyan, a veterinarian with 47 years of experience. For him, veterinary medicine is fundamentally a science, far removed from folk remedies.

Born and raised in Stepanavan, Armen Jaghinyan graduated from the local agricultural college before pursuing further studies at St. Petersburg Agrarian University, where he specialized in epidemiology.

Reflecting on his academic years, Jaghinyan recalls, “Our class comprised 270 students, with more than half being girls. I wish we had similar gender representation in Armenia today.” He notes that during the Soviet era, veterinary medicine was held in high esteem, but now it’s considered one of the aging professions in Armenia.

“A skilled professional earns respect. When clients are satisfied with the service quality, they treat veterinarians as family friends,” Jaghinyan remarks, expressing his desire for the public to recognize veterinary medicine as a science and for veterinarians to cultivate a positive image.

Recalling his early career, Jaghinyan shares, “Fresh out of university, I got a job at a farm. I was assigned the night shift, and one of the heifers was due to give birth. I was certain it would be twins and felt nervous about handling it. But I focused, provided assistance during the birth, and felt immensely proud of the successful outcome.”

For many years, Jaghinyan has also been a teacher at Stepanavan State Agricultural College. He believes that with even a slight interest in animals, students can develop a passion that grows into a career.

“There’s a noticeable shift in the government’s attitude towards veterinarians. Under the ‘MAVETA’ project (Modernizing Vocational Education and Training in Agriculture in Armenia), the profession is being taught in several colleges using a dual educational system,” Jaghinyan notes, stressing the need for more efforts to address the profession’s aging workforce issue.

“Today, the working conditions have vastly improved. We have a technologically advanced veterinary center that offers professional and technical support to veterinarians in the community and region,” Jaghinyan proudly asserts, highlighting their continuous dedication with no days off.

06 Jun
Uncategorized

I see gratitude in the eyes of every recovered animal

“I see gratitude in the eyes of every recovered animal that I save. Those eyes stay with me always,” Vahagn Sargsyan started the conversation with undisguised enthusiasm after seeing off the visitors at the veterinary clinic.

Vahagn Sargsyan’s veterinary clinic and pharmacy are in the town of Kapan. During our visit, he had just vaccinated a dog and, careful with advice saw off the owner and the pet.

“My passion for this profession arose during my work. I chose it by my mother’s advice,” the veterinarian continued, expressing his joy at following his mother’s guidance.

With the same enthusiasm, he recounted his first operation, performed while he was still a third-year student.

“During a summer vacation in the village, I was informed that a pregnant sheep had a hernia and would die if not slaughtered. Fortunately, I successfully removed the hernia, and the sheep gave birth normally,” Vahagn Sargsyan recalled, noting how the entire village spoke of the incident with great enthusiasm.

The veterinarian hopes one of his sons will continue his work. He involves his school-age boys in his duties, instilling in them a love for veterinary medicine.

“I pay them for their ‘work’ so they can truly understand both the field and the work,” he shared his experience of promoting the profession with a smile pointing to the boys hurrying to the clinic after school.

Anyway, the veterinarian, with 15 years of experience, finds work outside the clinic more appealing. As a community veterinarian, he frequently visits villages and farms.

“The attitude, warmth, and respect of the villagers are very encouraging and at the same time binding. When you have authority, you suffer less, but the responsibility increases,”  he emphasized.

This sense of responsibility inspired Sargsyan to establish a veterinary pharmacy. The assortment of the only pharmacy operating in the community was not updated frequently and the required essential drugs were not available.

“A veterinarian’s weapon is medicine. Without drugs, your actions are limited,” he asserted. At the same time, he is not going to be satisfied with his knowledge and experience.

“The field of veterinary is rapidly evolving and I feel the need for continuous training to learn about advanced international practices, particularly in domestic animal treatment,” Vahagn Sargsyan acknowledges the importance of keeping pace with the time. Yet, he is committed to staying in his hometown. Though he once considered leaving, but after the April war in 2016, he firmly decided to live and raise his children in Kapan, which is already a border settlement today.

“Being a veterinarian means having a strong will, and paving your own way. That is the formula for success in our profession,” Vahagn Sargsyan concluded the conversation with deep conviction.

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