.

The video showcases the successful implementation of the "Green Energy for Productive Farming" project in Lusakert village of Shirak province in Armenia.

The initiative is a part of the SSTC Oppotunity Fund project launched in 2021 and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China (MARA).

The project aims to strengthen capacities of the local community against multiple shocks and stressors of food security.

Over the project implementation process in Lusakert, a China-manufactured solar station was installed to help the community to save money on electricity and then invest in agricultural works. Also, local farmers received training on agricultural techniques (e.g., the drip irrigation systems for backyard berry gardens) as well as different types of berry seeds for agriculture.

Before the project, people in Lusakert were mainly engaged in wheat and potato cultivation and used old technologies, making daily work more challenging. Severe weather conditions, such as recurrent droughts, water scarcity and frequent hail storms throughout the year made it difficult for families to grow enough food and increase their family income.  

“When the ambassador of China visited our community to observe the project, where 15 families were provided with berry seeds, he noticed that there was not even a single centimetre of uncultivated land left, just like in China. It inspired our people. For the first time, our community was supported and that support was very effective,” a community member mentioned.

The successful model of “Green Energy for Productive Farming” project using solar energy production to invest in community savings and smallholder farmers’ productivity has been replicated in other regions of Armenia and continues to contribute to sustainable agricultural growth and economic development. 

Related Links:

Solar Panels and WFP Training Empower Smallholder Farmers in Armenia

Distributed Photovoltaic Power Generation

For more information, please contact WFP China COE (wfpcn.coe@wfp.org)