Significant progress continues in the advancement of irrigated agriculture in Armenia’s Ararat region. As part of the “Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir Marzes” (IADAAM) project, the Agricultural Extension Services Teams (AEST) of Vedi and Artashat – led by AEST Vedi Coordinator Vardan Ivanyan, met with farmers cultivating high-value crops and successfully implementing drip irrigation systems. These systems significantly improve water-use efficiency and enhance overall crop quality.
As an outcome of the visit, the AEST team presented the key benefits of growing high-value crops – cherries, mulberries, tomatoes, pears, and apricots – emphasizing three main aspects: profitability, market demand and production efficiency.
🍒 Cherries – A high-value crop with strong demand in both domestic and export markets (particularly Russia and the EU). Early-yielding, with first harvests typically achieved within 3-4 years. Suitable for fresh consumption and processing (e.g., jams, juices, dried products). Due to its early harvest season, it commands premium market prices.
🍇 Mulberries – A niche and underexploited crop with strong market demand. Highly suitable for drying and value-added processing, including syrups and winemaking. Recognized for its medicinal properties and applications in herbal remedies. It is also drought-tolerant and well-adapted to challenging soil conditions.
🍅 Tomatoes – Rapid-yielding crop, producing multiple harvests in the same year. High and consistent market demand – used fresh, canned or as juices and sauces. Flexible cultivation methods: open field, greenhouse or drip irrigation. Strong potential for import substitution through increased local production.
🍐 Pears – A long-shelf-life fruit that retains quality for months. Strong demand and high prices in export markets. Diverse varietals allow for adaptation to different climates and market needs. With proper care, trees produce stable and above-average yields.
🍑 Apricots – One of Armenia’s flagship agricultural products, apricots are widely recognized and sought after in international markets. Excellent potential across fresh, dried and processed segments. High returns within a short harvest period. Long-term investment: trees bear fruit for decades with reliable productivity.
Through the IADAAM program, support is extended not only for advanced irrigation technologies but also for the strategic selection and cultivation of high-value crops – empowering farmers and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Armenia’s agriculture sector.
We remain committed to working closely with local communities – delivering agricultural consultations, tailored support, and innovative solutions for sustainable rural development.
Irrigated Agriculture Development in Ararat and Armavir marzes (IADAAM) project, financed through the European Union (EU) with implementation by the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement) is an integrated initiative aimed at transforming irrigated agriculture in Armenia.
Within IADAAM project a technical assistance component is implemented jointly by AESA – Agriconsulting Europe SA, Avenue Consulting Group LLC, Strategic Development Agency NGO and 3R Strategy LLC consortium and aims to provide institutional support to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia (MoE) in the formulation of agricultural policies and reforms in priority areas, provide technical support to the MoE in the implementing project activities, ensure communication and reporting for the IADAAM project.