13 Dec 2018
The Closing Ceremony of the "Animal Management and Gerogia phase II" project
December 13, 2018, the closing ceremony of the “Animal Health Management in Armenia and Georgia phase II” project financed by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel Yerevan. The event focused on the project's main outcomes and achievements both in Armenia in Georgia.
The 3.5 year-long AHM II project focused on the improvement of animal health and animal productivity in Armenia and Georgia, reaching more than 3,000 cattle farmers, 220 veterinarians, more than 2,000 pig farmers, and 35 veterinary students. The main project objectives were reached, including the improvement of the animal health regulatory framework, improvement of practices and capacities of farmers and veterinarians to better provide veterinary services and control animal diseases, as well as the improvement of proper breeding practices contributing to animal genetics and farm income.
Among the main achievements of the project was the establishment of the PEDIGREE ANIMAL BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, consisting of 62 members, as well as the NATIONAL VETERINARY ASSOCIATION, including 50 members. They will unify the farmers under a single umbrella, serving as a platform for the discussion and solution of the problems they face.
A number of projects have been implemented jointly with the Agroservice Center, aimed at improving the economic viability at cross-border areas of Armenia and Georgia through awareness building campaigns on prevention and control of trans-boundary diseases, improvement of herd management strategies and development of private veterinary business capacities through application of new techniques and establishment of the Farm and Veterinary Service Centers (FVSCs).
One of the important components of the project was the capacity building of the young generation and close cooperation with the Armenian National Agrarian University. Almost 40 students have been involved in the project and had an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in practice and grow. Two of them joined our company as interns and are currently our employees.
Within the frames of the project, the Pig Genetic Center was established in Nor Gyugh community, targeted towards the development of the swine-breeding sector and the improvement of pig genetics. Pig Genetic Center will contribute to the pig productivity increase, pork taste improvement, and will suffice the demand for high-quality pork in the market.