The Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) hosted Robert Curtis –Director of Development Resources & Disaster Assistance Division of USDA. Mr. Curtis visited several projects funded and supported by USDA and CARD Foundation, among them: Bilyan meat processing unit, Arcolad chocolate production and VET Unit in Aragatsavan village, Aragatsotn marz.
The first visit was to Bilyan sausage production unit where Mr. Curtis had a tour around the facility. The USDA visitor was introduced to the variety of products and was given a detailed explanation on the production process. Mr. Bilyan also informed about the initiative for building a slaughterhouse which will provide an opportunity to carry out the slaughtering in more hygienic conditions.
The next visit was to Arcolad chocolate production unit. Arcolad buys dry fruits and walnuts from the farmers from different regions of Armenia, mainly Armavir, Aragatsotn and Tavush, for the production of chocolate coated delicious bonbons. Currently they produce such varieties as: dried apricot with walnut in chocolate, dried apricot with marzipan in chocolate , dried peach with walnut in chocolate , dried peach with marzipan in chocolate, dried melon roll with smashed walnut in chocolate, etc. which are the bestsellers of the company. Arcolad had 34% income increase in 2007-2008. And certainly farmers are benefiting form this. This leads to creating more jobs in rural areas thus enhancing rural livelihoods. The director of Arcolad, Emil Harutyunyan, also informed that they are currently trying to introduce their products in neighboring Georgian and Russian markets.
CARD/ USDA supported Village-based Examination and Therapy Unit (VET Unit) in Aragatsavan village, Aragatsotn marz was of great interest too. Mr. Curtis got acquainted with the community veterinarian Hunan who supervises procedures related to Artificial Inseminations, vaccinations, herd health management, and animal disease control. Hunan gave a tour around the barn, showed the calves some of which were the result of the artificial insemination ; also spoke about the great importance of cattle dehorning which has significantly decreased the cattle mortality. Hunan expressed his gratitude to USDA/ CARD and concluded that due to this collaboration, he has 200 heads of cattle whereas he started only with 5. |
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