YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan). Currently the German Technical Cooperation Organization (GZT) is implementing an integrated food program (IESP) in Armenia’s southern region of Sissian. The program was launched in March 1996 and is funded by the German government. Funds allocated up to now under the implementation of the program have totaled about 4.5 million USD.
According to IESP director Meruzhan Nasibian–the program is expected to be prolonged–while next year it will be implemented on the entire territory of the Siunik region.
The major objective of the IESP is to provide the Siunik region–with food and to create the necessary conditions for the development of production in the region.
Nasibian noted that the program includes several directions–that is the allocation of loans under development of small and medium-sized business in the agricultural sector and the rehabilitation of urban and rural infrastructure. Great attention is paid to the assistance rendered to the population in implementing agricultural works. Recently the German’side donated 216 tons of various seeds to Armenian farmers. Besides–GTZ also assists local administration in organizing its work.
Nasibian said that preparations for the second phase of the IESP program is currently being held. The second phase will focus on the health care and education sectors.