RA Minister of Agriculture Ignati Arakelyan today received the delegation of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The delegation is in Armenia with the mission to supervise the Infrastructure and Rural Finance Support Program (IRFSP) implemented by State Agency "Rural Areas Economic Development Programs Implementation Unit" Staff of the Government of the Republic of Armenia (RAED PIU). The delegation is led by Mr Rami Salman, Country Program Manager, Near East and North Africa Division (NEN).

At the opening of the meeting, Mr Salman spoke of the progress of the IRFSP, whose objective is to improve the socio-economic status of the population in the selected rural areas. The head of the delegation noted with satisfaction that although very little time has passed since the launch of the program, it can already be considered a success.

Stressing that IFAD stands ready to expand cooperation with the RA Ministry of Agriculture, to develop and implement new programs in Armenia, Mr Salman noted that in order to ensure their effectiveness the programs need to be in line with the current priorities and key issues of the agriculture sector.

In this context, the Minister of Agriculture highlighted the establishment of intensive orchards, development of greenhouse facilities, re-equipment of vet institutions and training of specialists.

Underscoring the need for efficient management and use of Armenia's water resources, Ignati Arakelyan highlighted the relevance of introducing latest water-saving technologies and drip irrigation systems in the fish farming sector.

During the meeting, the possibility of providing farmers with loans at affordable interest rates under RAEDP PIU's upcoming projects and attraction of grants was also addressed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, an agreement was reached to compile and submit to the Fund a list of priority directions for further cooperation to be included in the new program as one of its components.