On 22 March, UNDP and partners officially launched the new ‘Maqi’ genetic centre for pedigree sheep breeding in Azatan community, Shirak region in Armenia.
This initiative is implemented in the framework of the EU Green Agriculture Initiative in Armenia (EU-GAIA) project, funded by the European Union in Armenia and co-funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation. The project contributes to the realisation of shared and balanced inclusive growth in Lori, Tavush, and Shirak regions of Armenia through boosting green agriculture and enhancing local added value.
At least 40 sheep breeders from all over Armenia and neighbouring countries will have access to brand new services in the centre, including veterinary services, artificial insemination, and pregnancy diagnosis.
“This centre is especially important for the development of the sheep sector in Armenia as it is the first of its kind in the entire South Caucasus region for artificial insemination of sheep. The goal of the centre is to cultivate purebred sheep farming practices in Armenia aimed at improvement of local sheep genetics,” said Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP ResidentRepresentative in Armenia.
