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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) implements numerous economic and healthcare programs in Armenia that significantly help border communities, contributing to their development and increased well-being.
As part of one such initiative, the ICRC carried out a wheat seed distribution in the Khachik community of Vayots Dzor.
ICRC Economic Security Programs Manager Stepan Grigoryan told Armenpress that the distribution of wheat seeds is being carried out as part of a livelihood program.
“We have been distributing seeds for the second consecutive year. This year, specifically, we are distributing wheat seeds in seven communities: Kul, Azat, Norabak and Jaghatsadzor in Gegharkunik Province, Aravuz and Nerkin Khndzoresk in Syunik Province, and Khachik in Vayots Dzor Province. We have provided the residents of Khachik with 32 tons of certified first-reproduction winter wheat seeds. Residents can also apply to receive a subsidy. We are constantly trying to facilitate the sale of locally produced goods in order to stimulate our domestic market. We purchased the wheat seeds from Shirak Province. This is Bezostaya variety seed, which we selected at the request of the beneficiaries, also taking into account the characteristics of the soils and climatic conditions of the given region. We consulted with agronomists in advance,” Grigoryan said.
He added that the wheat seeds will be allocated to 118 families. The quality of the seeds was checked in advance at the seed station. A germination test was conducted under laboratory conditions; therefore, the distribution is being carried out with the relevant certification.
“We always coordinate our economic security programs with the state’s priorities so that joint efforts are carried out in a coordinated manner,” Grigoryan said.
There was a real bustle in Khachik village the previous day. Numerous residents had gathered near the vehicles loaded with bags of seeds, receiving their allotted share and leaving satisfied, expecting to sow the seeds and obtain a bountiful harvest.
One of the beneficiaries, 70-year-old Khachik resident Karlen Asatryan, noted that such initiatives significantly ease their daily burdens and contribute to increasing the well-being of residents.
“Three hundred kilograms of seeds are allocated per hectare. Our family will sow one hectare. The initiative is good in that people can obtain the seeds locally and will no longer have to travel long distances or buy them elsewhere at a much higher price. We sow wheat every year and sell the surplus. We also sow barley and emmer. This is one of our main means of livelihood. If the issue of irrigation water is resolved, we will grow more crops. Our wheat is always in demand; we have no problem selling it. Buyers come to our village and take it away. Our entire family is involved in agricultural work,” Asatryan said.
The residents of Khachik community expect to harvest a bountiful wheat crop sometime after the winter sowing, while the high-quality seeds, ameliorated soils and expected favorable climatic conditions provide grounds for optimism.