Investigation Exposes Major Shortcomings in Armenia’s Smart Livestock Farming Program

YEREVAN – A government initiative designed to modernize Armenia’s livestock industry has fallen substantially short of its original objectives, according to an investigation published by Hetq on October 29.

Launched in 2019, the state-supported smart livestock facilities program aimed to construct or renovate 230 barns between 2019 and 2021, improving animal welfare and increasing agricultural productivity.

However, Ministry of Economy figures show that only 58 facilities had been completed with government assistance by 2025, despite compensation agreements being signed with 103 beneficiaries.

The investigation also revealed that authorities began pursuing legal action against several beneficiaries in 2022, seeking repayment of state compensation and accrued interest.

Of ten court cases examined, seven resulted in rulings favouring the ministry, one ended in a settlement, and two claims were rejected.

One particularly troubling case involved farmer Ararat Galstyan from Shinuhayr in Syunik province.

Galstyan explained that the 2020 war, Azerbaijan’s 2022 attacks, the loss of accessible pastureland and rising feed costs had severely undermined his farming operations. The court rejected the ministry’s demand to recover 11.5 million drams.

The findings raise serious questions about the government’s agricultural planning and its ability to provide practical, sustainable support to rural communities.

State assistance cannot be measured solely through allocated funding and signed agreements. It must also account for the realities facing farmers, particularly in vulnerable border regions.

The investigation underscores the need for greater accountability, realistic program design and agricultural policies that reflect Armenia’s economic and security challenges.