Establishment of a community orchard through introduction of traditional crops and eco-technologies as an alternative to non-metal mines

Project Details & Results

The project proposes establishment of a community-managed orchard with an area of 1ha on degraded lands through application of new irrigation technologies, namely drip irrigation for cultivated trees and sprinkler irrigation for cover crops. Cultivation of cover crops, namely lint (flax) and others, is intended to increase water infiltration, improve soil tilth and fertility. The project envisages cultivation of traditional crops typical to the region and establishment of a small-scale food processing company to utilize the harvest through ecologically sound methods. The project will be implemented in Geghhovit community of Gegharkunik region, which is known for its problems linked to non-metal basalt mines. 

Gradual increase of mines and stone processing plants causes a serious danger for community lands. In close neighborhood of the project area, a basalt mining and processing factory has resulted in a cavity 4 times exceeding the project area in size. The mining cavity gradually increases, degrading the neighboring agricultural lands and depriving local farmers of income. The project aims to prevent degradation of agricultural lands through establishment of a community demo orchard with a proved financial viability as an alternative long-term income-generating opportunity for a typical mining community. 

It is believed that the comparative economic analysis to be produced by the project will encourage redirecting investments from mining industry to sustainable agriculture.

Project Results

The project will produce the following major outputs:

• Establishing a 1ha joint community orchard in Geghhovit community to be managed by “Geghhovit” Social Development Fund;
• Registering “Geghhovit” Social Development Fund at the State Registry of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia;
• Cultivation of 0.6 ha of linseed and planting of 400 linear meters of buckthorn;
• Production of at least 300 l of linseed oil and 300 l of buckthorn oil annually to meet the needs of the community health facility;
• Increasing awareness of the community members on sustainable use and conservation of traditional crops, as well as introduction of irrigation new technologies.