MosJan Posted August 11, 2001 Report Share Posted August 11, 2001 http://davidashen.aua.am/ATG/field4.jpg http://davidashen.aua.am/ATG/index.html http://davidashen.aua.am/ATG/rog.jpg The Armenian Technology Group (ATG) focuses on providing new private Armenian farmers with the benefits of improved agricultural techniques and innovations, to enable the farmers to enhance the yield and quality of the republic's cereal and legume crops. At the same time, in the belief that a strong private sector is the foundation for a healthy free-market economy, ATG cultivates the business and management skills necessary for success in modern agriculture. ATG began its activities in Armenia in 1989. Since then, ATG has implemented programs including wheat barley seed distribution and multiplication, inputs, corn, alfalfa and vegetable seed distribution, farm machinery manufacturing and distribution, honey bee medication, training and demonstration of farming practices, greenhouse repair, and distribution of hospital equipment and high value bull semen for artificial insemination. ATG has worked independently and in cooperation with Republic of Armenia Ministries, United Nations agencies, and many international and local NGOs. In December 1998, The Armenian Technology Group (ATG) began to implement a new honey production program in Nagorno Karabagh. The program is part-funded by USAID in response to the U.S. Congress's interest in providing humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Nagorno-Artsax conflict. Other projects in NK under the USAID program include primary health care services, mother and child care, mental health improvement, shelter and sanitation programs, and micro-credit assistance for women. The honey production program, which will run from December 1998 until March 2000, aims to generate income in NK. It is designed to improve the agricultural knowledge of beekeepers and to standardise approaches on beehive management practices. By several means, the project will increase the output of honey by 75% to 100% from present levels. Improved yields will cause incomes to rise and increase supplies for domestic consumption. It is also expected that income will also be generated by the construction of bee hives and from selling beeswax, and making candles and from honeycomb crafts. Three hundred farm households and craftsmen are directly targeted, for an estimated total of 1,256 direct beneficiaries. An indirect impact will be achieved by donating 10% of the packaged honey to charitable organizations, hospitals and the needy. In the first year, this would be approximately 3,000 one-kilogram containers that will benefit 3,000 families (or 12,000 individuals). Along with beekeepers and other private farmers, the de facto authorities of Nagorno-Karabagh have welcomed the project. One goal of the project is to form a Honey Producers Association. Association by-laws have already been drafted and translated to Armenian. A draft agreement has also been prepared for the 300 individuals who will be members of the Association and participate in the program. In January, ATG's NK office identified three local companies in the regions of Askeran, Stepanakert and Martakert that will each construct 1,000 hives by the end of March. The craftsmen who will do this work were eager to start the procurement of the lumber and the construction of the hives. ATG also started the process for purchasing the necessary equipment and parts to extract honey. One technical advisors from the US has come to NK to share his experience in beekeeping and honey production. In addition, local field technical advisers and monitors are used to properly implement and report the project goals. ATG's StaffATG headquarters is located in Fresno, California, with an implementing office in Yerevan. ATG board members and technical advisors serve as unpaid volunteers. Since 1989, board members have visited Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh (NK) on numerous occasions to meet with officials and assess the agricultural situation in the area. Head office, USAArthur O. Hazarabedian Chairman Ronald Khachigian President Varoujan Der Simonian Executive Director 1322 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 255, Fresno, CA 93710Tel: (559) 224 1000, Fax: (559) 224 1002E-mail: atgusa@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yerevan OfficeRoger N. Culver In-Country Director Roger W. Benton Chief Agronomist, ATG Fresno Narine Koloyan Secretary/Interpreter Gagik Mkrtchian Project Coordinator Mkhitar Grigorian Senior Agronomist Arkady Markarian Agronomist Vaghinak Kamrastian Agronomist Vahe Grigorian Cheif Monitor Misak Gharagiozyan Finance Officer Areg Azoyan Accountant/Cashier Raphael Sahakov Inventory Manager Siranoush Torossian Data Specialist Edik Sarkissian Driver Manouk Manoukian Driver Souren Petrossian Guard Rouben Ghandiljian Guard Anahit Assatrian Cook Sousanna Nahapetian Kitchen worker Nina Danielian Cleaner Noune Shamakhian Information Specialist In addition to its permanent Yerevan office staff, ATG has 15 agronomists in different regions of Armenia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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