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Residents of Srashen, a border village in Syunik Province, are benefiting from socio-economic programs implemented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The small village is one of many settlements benefiting from ICRC projects.
Speaking to journalists who traveled to Syunik Province from Yerevan, Srashen Mayor Anahit Baghdasaryan said the ICRC programs have encouraged residents to engage more actively in agricultural work.
“It is desirable that such small grant programs continue, as they address many issues and help households with their daily needs. The ICRC programs raise people’s level of awareness and, consequently, may create opportunities for other organizations to become involved as well, which would make the daily lives of residents of border villages more diverse,” she said.
One of the program beneficiaries, Parandzem Barsamyan, is engaged in agriculture in addition to serving as the head of the local post office.
“The ICRC provided us with poultry and feed. The hens are already laying eggs. We carry out vaccinations on time. The veterinarian is from Tsav village and also serves all the nearby rural settlements. Our family has also been engaged in beekeeping for about 30 years. We have seven beehives, and before you arrived, we were busy extracting honey. There are several families in the village who are also engaged in beekeeping. We also cultivate the seven hectares of land allocated to our family,” Barsamyan said.
Srashen resident Aramayis Stepanyan is also a beneficiary of the program and believes that ICRC support is highly beneficial for villagers because it provides people with substantial assistance.
“The assistance provided is also targeted, especially since the villagers have been given a helping hand. If such programs are introduced in Srashen every year, the burden on villagers will be greatly eased. With the funds provided, our family bought 60 chickens and animal feed. We are also engaged in pig farming,” Stepanyan said.
In addition to farming, he works as an inspector with the Eco-Patrol Service. He has worked in the environmental protection sector for 26 years.
“The protection of our rich nature should always be a priority. It must be carefully protected and passed on to future generations.
Those who are engaged in agriculture in our village today are not thinking about leaving the country. This also provides them with a certain source of income,” Stepanyan concluded.