What was once an abandoned, weed-covered 65,000 square feet plot is now a thriving orchard—a testament to the power of perseverance and opportunity. Today, the Grigoryan family of Paravakar village, Tavush province, is reaping the rewards of their hard work, transforming their land into a flourishing source of prosperity.
With rows of apples, persimmons, grapes, figs, pomegranates, quince, and walnuts, their orchard is more than just a business; it is a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. Thanks to their dedication, the Grigoryans have doubled their income and are planning further expansion. Anahit Gevorgyan, the orchard manager and mother of four, was met with skepticism when she first proposed the idea. Yet, armed with determination and the right support, she turned her vision into reality.
"This is our first year of harvesting, and we’ve gathered around 15 tons of grapes worth 2 million drams—twice as much as we used to harvest from our old orchard. The work is demanding, but seeing the fruits of our labor is the most rewarding feeling," says Anahit.
Anahit’s journey began in 2020 when she applied for FAR’s Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Tavush Province (BCPP) program. Through specialized business training, along with grape seedlings and essential farming tools, she gained not just resources but the confidence and skills to create her first-ever business plan. Today, the orchard is the family's primary source of income, securing their financial future and enabling their children to pursue higher education. More importantly, Anahit has discovered a newfound passion for orchard cultivation—one she now shares with her family members.
"My days now revolve around the orchard—it has become such an important part of our lives. Thanks to FAR, I not only learned about business management but also mastered the nuances of crop cultivation, from fertilization to harvesting," she says. "But most importantly, I learned to believe in myself and became a truly self-reliant entrepreneur. Today, I am proud of what I have accomplished."
Since 2013, FAR’s Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Tavush Province (BCPP) program, generously funded by the Mardigian Family Foundation, has been helping families like the Grigoryans take control of their destinies. By equipping them with knowledge, resources, and skills, we are not just fostering economic stability—we are inspiring individuals to believe in themselves and create lasting change for their families and communities.
Together, we are transforming lives—one seed, one harvest, one business at a time.
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