Description
Several villages in the Tavush region of Armenia are bordering Azerbaijan. Residents in these border villages live and work under a constant risk of sniper fire and renewed armed conflict each day. The economy of the villages and the livelihood of many of its residents have suffered due to these difficult and dangerous times. It is of strategic importance to support these villagers in their daily lives so that they may remain inhabitants of these villages, mere footsteps from Azerbaijan. Currently home to 286 households and 955 people, the village of Baghanis was established in the fifth century. This village shares a 2 km-long border with Republic of Azerbaijan. Today, the residents make a living by farming and tending to their livestock. The village is actively working to improve the quality of life for its residents. To help reduce harvesting costs, the village is in need of farming equipment.
The harvesting of hay and feed for animals is time sensitive. If the feed and grass is cut and gets wet, livestock will not eat it. Additionally, farmers currently struggle to pay the market rate to have hay baled for the winter. A tractor and baler maintained by the village would be able to provide baling and other agriculture services to the village farmers at a below market rate, thus helping improve economic conditions for all farmers. Sponsorship of this project will help the village obtain this equipment necessary to provide needy villagers with the opportunity to care for their families and to help improve the village’s economy.
The Need
Currently farmers in border villages are barely making ends meet. In Baghanis most farmers do not own their own farming equipment. This project will purchase a tractor and baler for this village to improve efficiency in harvesting.
Short Term Impact
In the short term the village will obtain a tractor and a hay baler in excellent condition and will be able to use them immediately for farming and municipal projects. Furthermore, one villager will be hired to operate and maintain this equipment.
Long Term Impact
In the long term, farmers will pay a lower amount for harvesting and related agricultural services, hence improving their lives and increasing their income. This will help deter emigration from the village.
Sponsors Benefits
All sponsors will be recognized on all relevant press regarding this project and on The Paros Foundation website. Visits to the families can be arranged for sponsors visiting Armenia.
Updates: Images & Information
This season, the tractor and bailer bailed more than 8,000 bails of hay and straw at a discounted price for the village of Baghanis. This project greatly benefited the villagers and will for hopefully years to come.
Today the Mayor of Baghanis and a mechanic made the trip to Lake Sevan to inspect and purchase the tractor. Paros Staff has already ordered the bailer and we are waiting for delivery.
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Our Donors (12)
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Mr. & Mrs. Ara & Valerie Cherchian
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Ms. Hripsime Hamstra
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Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Ruth Sokol
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Ayvazian-Daghlian Family Charitable Trust
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Mr. David Yaldezian
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John Mirak Foundation
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Dr. John Aljian & Dr. Sylvie Khorenian
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Mr. Levon Der Bedrossian
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Mr. & Mrs. Ara & Maggie Kizirian
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Ms. Pauline Harian
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Anonymous
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Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Juliette Abdulian