When asked what a cooperative is and how it has transformed the rural Shaghat community in the Sisian region, Community Head Tigran Khachatryan passionately explains: “It’s all about the human spark and rural development. From that spark, a fire starts. Our Co-op began when we believed in ourselves and united under one goal—to develop our village and support our farmers. Together, we’ve overcome obstacles, enabling them to play a vital role in reducing poverty and ensuring food security throughout the year.”
Founded in 2018, the Shaghat Co-op has become a model of shared responsibility and teamwork, providing economic and agricultural opportunities while reducing risks and increasing farmers' profits. With 52 members, including eight women and its youngest member at just 25, the Coop demonstrates inclusivity and youth engagement.
Agricultural machinery was the foundation of the Co-op’s success, but it now offers a wide range of services—from producing and packaging locally cultivated groats and flax oil to providing a facility for drying fruits, wild berries, and greens. The Co-op even extends into sewing production and operates a beauty salon, highlighting its diverse impact on the community.
In 2023, FAR helped the Co-op enhance its efficiency by providing new packaging equipment, sewing machines, and other essential tools. “This has helped us brand our products, making them recognizable at various exhibitions and markets,” Tigran proudly shares.
“Today, we have almost everything we need to make life easier and more profitable for our villagers,” says Hovhannes Arzumanyan, a Co-op member and cheesemaker. “Before, we had to source flax oil from Hrazdan, but now we produce it here. We used to send our wheat to other villages to make groats, but now we have that technology in Shaghat. Our village is self-sustaining, and we even provide services to nearby communities,” he says, adding that rising service costs are challenging for many. “This is where the Co-op steps in, offering a helping hand.”
If you would like to contribute to the such efforts and support food security and rural development in Armenia, please consider donating to FAR today.
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