1st Anniversary of "Hatik" Agricultural Cooperative
On October 15, "Hatik" agricultural cooperative celebrated first year of its formation and registration.
A year ago, it was impossible to imagine how the group of grain farmers would develop, but it was clear that the initiative of farmers to come together was dictated by the imperative of the day.
The cooperative began its journey in Armenia with the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which contributed to the formation of the group, the creation of a strategic plan, and the strengthening of the group's capabilities․ Afterwards, with the support of the “The establishment and strengthening of agricultural cooperatives with the use of improved legislation and modern technologies” project implemented by “Shen” NGO with funding of Bread for the World, the "Hatik" agricultural cooperative was officially registered as a cooperative specializing in the cultivation of potato, grain and leguminous crops. In the framework of this project, along with professional advice, we also provided the cooperative with elite seeds and necessary equipment, as well as the opportunity for continuous cooperation to introduce new ideas and innovative approaches.
Many groups of farmers receive support from various programs, but not all of them are able to work steadily on the capacity development and the realization of the final goal. Thanks to its persistent work, the "Hatik" agricultural cooperative was able to cultivate more than 200 ha of uncultivated land within a year, register as a seed breeding entity, and for the first time, to have a 10 ha joint seed field of beech, oat and barley. The cooperative also imported elite seeds of wheat, barley, potatoes and cultivated seed fields. The members of the cooperative jointly applied for a government-assisted leasing program to purchase a harvester.
Although, this year some of the crops of the cooperative were damaged by the floods, the members are not discouraged and continue to move forward.
"Shen" NGO highly appreciates the achievements that "Hatik" agricultural cooperative had in its first year, as well as its ability to face challenges with constructive solutions. We are ready to contribute to support the development of knowledge and abilities of cooperative members in the coming years as well.
