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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.