The UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme is implementing a new “Nexus Goris” initiative in the Verishen and Akner settlements of the Goris community in Syunik region, as a pilot project of a new model. This model brings together the resources and capacities of rural and urban communities, fostering cooperation and creating new opportunities for economic development. For the pilot phase of the “Nexus” model, the UNDP “Sustainable Communities” programme has selected its “Greenhouse” initiative, which supports motivated beneficiaries to establish their own greenhouse businesses.

For the two-day “Crop Cultivation in Greenhouse Conditions” training held in Goris, 27 people applied – 8 from Akner and 19 from Verishen.

Participants learned about the types and structures of greenhouses, the specifics of ventilation, irrigation, shading, and heating systems, as well as crop growth, cultivation, and seasonal planning. The training also covered pest and disease control methods, ways to improve soil fertility, and post-harvest procedures.

UNDP experts visited the land plots of 20 participants to assess soil conditions, beneficiaries’ readiness, and their ability to invest. In the near future, all participants will be invited to attend a business training course. Final beneficiary selection will be based on the results of all trainings and capacity-building activities, as well as the evaluation of the selection committee. Selected beneficiaries will be provided with 150 m² tunnel-type greenhouses to start their own greenhouse businesses.