In spring 2011, German Satimex Quedlinburg Handelsgesellschaft mbH seed breeding company provided 10 varieties of onion for trial plot, which served as a basis for CARD and Satimex to implement pilot onion-growing program in Armenia.
During his three-day tour in Syunik marz, on September 9, 2011, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan visited Farm and Veterinary Service Center (FVSC) in Sarnakunq community established by CARD Foundation as part of the USDA-supported Community Animal Health Network (CAHN) project.
Since April 2011, CARD and World Vision Talin Area Development Project have established genetic units and conducted trainings on artificial insemination in five communities of Aragatsotn marz. The project aims at breeding 250 heads of cattle through specialists of artificial insemination.
In April 2011, Armenian women gave the first production of organic asparagus. Three years ago, in March 2008, women of Akunk village of Kotay marz through support of Shen NGO started zero-lift production of high-value agriculture. The main focus of the women-owned businesses was the organic asparagus, the growing of which was based on the local market demand.
In 2010 CARD, Heifer International, Tavush and Gavar branches of World Vision Armenia aimed their cooperation at replenishment of farmers’ knowledge on management, animal behavior, care, feeding, genetic improvement, etc. This was especially important in Areni and Arpi communities of Vayots Dzor marz, and communities of Ijevan in Tavush marz, where animal breeding has a secondary role.
Armenian branch of “Heifer Project International” together with CARD Foundation held a series of trainings in four marzes of Armenia in the period of January-March 2011. Among the communities benefited from the trainings were Shika-hogh, Srashen, Nerkin Hand and Tsav of Syunik marz; Chinari and Choratan communities of Tavush marz; Debed and Shirakamut communities of Lori marz, as well as Shenik, Lukashin and Nalbandyan communities of Armavir marz.
CARD Rural Development department together with Mr. Joel Mergler, the representative of the U.S. World Wide Sires organization held trainings on exchange of experience and knowledge refresh for 12 veterinarians and specialists of artificial insemination of animals in Syunik marz of Armenia, on February 9-16, 2011.