On June 27, Nor Gyugh community of Kotayk province celebrated the opening of two specialized agricultural centers, made possible through the joint efforts of the Government of Armenia and international donor and local organizations.

Within the framework of the USAID-funded Partnerships for Rural Prosperity (USAID/PRP) program, implemented by the SME Development National Center (SME DNC) of Armenia and its partners, the Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development (CARD) Foundation has established a Farm and Veterinary Service Center in Nor Gyugh. The center will focus on the development of the animal husbandry sector in Armenia and will promote advanced techniques and practices of farm business development. The new facility will offer up-to-date equipment and tools for artificial insemination and veterinary practices, and will facilitate market linkages and access to finance for Armenian farmers and rural small and medium size enterprises. This is the fourth Farm Service Center established in Armenia through the USAID/PRP program.

CARD Foundation has also established a Pig Genetic Center in the community as part of the “Animal Health Management in Armenia and Georgia, Phase II” program, financed by the Austrian Development Agency. Considered to be the only specialized center of its type in the Caucasus region, the Pig Genetic Center will promote the development of swine-breeding in Armenia, provide consultations, and organize trainings by local and foreign experts. The import of pure-breed pedigree animals and the production of genetic material with the use of up-to-date technologies is expected to help increase income for local farmers.

In attendance at the official opening ceremony of the two centers were dignitaries from the Armenian Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Economic Development and Investments, and Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, as well as high level representatives of USAID/Armenia, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Armenia, the Austrian Development Agency, Kotayk Governor’s Office, SME DNC and CARD Foundation.

"The Farm and Veterinary Center in Nor Gyugh is the first facility specialized in pig breeding," USAID/Armenia Mission Director Deborah Grieser said during the event. "This is an important milestone for the agricultural sector because it is a unique facility in the Caucasus region. Through the center's workshops and training programs, we plan to reach about 2,500 farmers from neighboring communities."