The project aims at combating land degradation, increasing of Community Farmers? incomes and strengthening institutional capacity of newly formed ?Salli? Agricultural Consumer Cooperative through reconstruction and rehabilitation of Community irrigation water system and creating preconditions for sustainable water and land management in Salli community of Vayots Dzor region.
The community is located at the altitude of 1450-1600 m above sea level and agriculture is the main source of household income. Currently, about 90 hectares of arable lands are not cultivated and exposed to gradual degradation due to lack of irrigation water and necessary agro-machinery.
Salli community has only one irrigation source that starts from 2,400m height and is approximately 7km in length. The irrigation system is mainly open channel. Only at the beginning of the water supply for irrigation there is a 319 mm diameter pipeline approximately 150 m in length. When the water comes from the pipeline and enters into an open channel there is an inclination of 1-1.5%. Due to this low inclination and volcanic soil at this part 25-30% of water loss and other significant leakages from about 7 km open channels flow are taking place, and the amount of water reached to Community is not enough for effective irrigation of cereals, fodders, vegetables and fruit trees.
Lack of agro-machinery is another main reason for not cultivation of lands in the community Currently there is one obsolete (35 years old) MTZ tractor with only two accessories..
The project will address complex socio-economic and environmental issues of the target community through provision of new agro machinery, modernization of the irrigation system and enhancement of local capacities to implement sustainable water and land management practices.
The latter will be achieved through a series of trainings on Water Use and Management, Improved Irrigation Techniques, Drip and other modern irrigation methods, Management and Effective Use of Irrigated Pastures due to sustainable water use as well as global environmental issues addressed by the GEF.
Trainings on different topics of Agronomy and Crop and Plant Protection and Farm Management will be conducted as well.
The project will be implemented in partnership with United Methodists Committee On Relief (UMCOR) Armenian Branch within its Community Enhancement through Agricultural Support and Technical Assistance (CEASTA) project in Salli village. UMCOR will contribute in newly established Cooperative development, agro-machinery and trainings provision, as well as water system reconstruction activities.