A total of 167 participants from the Meghri, Sisian and Kapan communities of Syunik Region became beneficiaries of the project after completing a three-day theoretical and practical training course and successfully passing the final examination. Based on the examination results, beneficiaries received gardening equipment packages, including pruning shears (secateurs), chainsaws, extension poles, automatic sprayers and pruning tool sets. In total, 494 pieces of gardening equipment were distributed to the beneficiaries. Representatives of the Embassy of the Russian Federation attended the handover events in all three communities, personally presented the equipment to the beneficiaries and discussed the project’s results with them.

During the three-day training programme, participants gained practical knowledge of traditional and intensive horticulture, orchard planning, crop and variety selection, soil preparation, irrigation and fertilization systems, pruning techniques, plant protection, as well as measures to reduce and manage the impacts of adverse weather conditions. All participants received certificates of participation and a practical handbook, “Fundamentals of Horticulture”, to support the application of their newly acquired knowledge.

The “Fruitful Garden” project is aimed at strengthening the skills and capacities of people engaged in horticulture. It seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods, improve food security and support the self-sufficiency of rural communities by enhancing the horticultural knowledge and practical skills of residents in Syunik Region.

The “Fruitful Garden” project was implemented by UNDP’s “Sustainable Communities” programme with the financial support of the Russian Federation.