Just a few hundred meters away from the Azeri’s direct target, Taguhi and Robert Aghamyans are pulling weeds from their cornfield, preparing it for irrigation tomorrow. Born and raised in Berkaber village, Tavush province, this couple has found new hope and opportunity thanks to revolutionary infrastructure developments transforming their community.
Since 2021, a new irrigation system with the capacity to irrigate around 80 hectares of land has been installed in Berkaber. Through the Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Tavsush Province Program (BCPP), FAR supported the community with the initial investment to apply for the Government subvention along with the Pan-Armenian Fund.
“Living close to the reservoir for years, we've never had the chance to irrigate our fields properly," explains Tigran Harutyunyan, the village head of Berkaber. "People relied on the mountain water, which hardly covered 40 hectares. With the pumping station, we aimed to irrigate the remaining 40 hectares. However, recent floods disrupted the mountain water supply, so the entire village, about 130 households, had to rely solely on the pump. We even help irrigate more than 30 hectares of fields in the nearby village of Sari Gyugh. Without the pumping station, we’d be in a dire situation. People need to water their crops at least once or twice a week to prevent them from drying up."
Tigran notes that the new irrigation system has also sparked interest among locals to establish or expand their orchards and grow non-traditional crops like corn, green peas, beans, watermelon, pumpkin, zucchini, different peppers, and even sunflower seeds. Seven new hectares have already been planted, with most people using drip irrigation systems for their orchards.
"Over the years, FAR has invested in community projects that create essential infrastructure for economic development in Tavush villages. These initiatives have profoundly impacted the daily lives and future prospects of the villagers," says Eric Baghdasaryan, FAR Community and Economic Development Manager. "Berkaber is a shining example, literally bringing a fruitful harvest."
Robert Aghamyan, who used to rely on animal husbandry for income, now finds his 3,000 square meters of land—just 500 meters from Azeri military points—his main source of livelihood. “Last year, we planted 9 kg of green peas and harvested 100 kg. That was amazing,” he shares.
Despite the challenges, both Taguhi and Robert are eager to cultivate their land and experiment with new crops. "Before the new system, I had no intention to cultivate this land. Without water, nothing is possible. Two years ago, it was just grass. I didn’t even try wheat because it couldn’t grow properly here. The first year, we planted corn and watermelon. We plowed the land for the first time last year, and the first harvest was excellent."
Tigran emphasizes Berkaber’s unique qualities: “Our location, nature, and population make us special. We’re like a family living on a small island, and our internal solidarity is our great advantage. This new irrigation system has provided us with incredible opportunities for community development.”
To support more community projects and help cross-border communities thrive, consider donating to FAR today.
Since 2013, the multi-faceted and comprehensive Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Tavush province program (BCPP) has been promoting activities that generate positive and sustainable impact for families in the Berd, Ijevan, and Noyemberyan regions of Tavush Province. BCPP is generously funded by the Mardigian Family Foundation.
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