Tavush farmers apply new technologies

In Tavush region, agricultural development is often hindered by the lack of new technologies and farmers’ limited access to them. Addressing these challenges is the goal of the EU-funded and UNDP-implemented “LEADER” program, under which three local action groups have been established in the region. These groups have become driving forces of development within communities, supporting innovative socio-economic initiatives. For example, the “Tsili Tsov” LAG operating in the Berd community has supported more than 50 projects, contributing to increased employment, modernization of agriculture, and the revitalization of the region’s economy.

“The group is united around numerous ideas aimed at developing rural areas of the Berd community, which are implemented through collective efforts. The “Tsili Tsov” LAG particularly values the opportunities for self-realization and empowerment of people living and creating in rural areas. In the Agro-Drone project, we emphasized the innovative component, which breathes new life into agriculture and makes essential services – such as soil fertilization and pest control – quickly accessible,” said Nara Papyan, Chair of the “Tsili Tsov” Local Action Group NGO Board.

For the agricultural life of the Berd community, the implementation of the Agro-Drone project was a long-awaited positive development: now modern agricultural services are provided to farmers using innovative technologies.

“The mission of the “Tavush” Foundation is to contribute to the sustainable development of communities, and one of our priorities is economic development, particularly the development of agriculture. For this purpose, we established our “AgroCenter”, and our first major achievement on its path of development was our collaboration with UNDP, specifically within the “LEADER” program, thanks to which we equipped our AgroCenter and acquired an agro-drone to provide crop treatment services in the region. The application of the agro-drone is unprecedented in the region, unique, and plays an important role in the community. Its role is to introduce a new culture in agriculture, which contributes to improved crop quality and at least a 20–30% increase in yields,” said Lusik Aghababyan, Executive Director of the “Tavush” charitable foundation.

The use of the agro-drone has brought the community one step closer to innovative and smart agriculture, while for the “Tavush” Foundation, it also ensures opportunities for operational sustainability.

Tavush farmers are noticeably improving their work through the use of new technologies. During the hot summer days, fieldwork continues, but today it is no longer as labor-intensive as before.