WFP Armenia and Ministry of Economy Tap into High-Tech Solutions for Smarter Agriculture
03 September 2025
In a step toward modernizing agriculture and rural development, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Armenia conducted drone-based data collection and analysis training, with the Ministry of Economy.
The training combined classroom learning with practical drone operations, where participants learned how to collect and interpret high-resolution aerial data, skills that are essential for precision agriculture.
The drones, intended for farm and environmental monitoring, will help the irrigation works by assessing soil moisture, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), soil health and quality. Based on the inputs, the best locations for irrigation and crop planning will be decided. Compared to satellite imagery, drones offer real-time, high-resolution and more suitable data for small-scale farms.
This is a step in the right direction in how we collect and utilize information to support farmers and communities," said Leila Meliouh, a WFP Country Director and Representative in Armenia. “It is about smarter planning, more effective targeting, and stronger results.”
The three-week course included planning and conducting of drone image missions, data processing and developing real-world applications. This initiative is part of WFP Armenia’s larger efforts to include new technologies in its operations, specifically in agriculture, water management and rural infrastructure mapping.
After the successful pilot, the drones and analysis tools will be handed over to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. This will help support the national integration of precision technologies into agricultural and economic development plans.
About WFP Armenia
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations with unique international expertise in delivering humanitarian assistance, combating food insecurity and sustainable natural resource management.
WFP Armenia’s flagship initiative is school feeding programme, which was implemented in all regions of Armenia (except Yerevan) since 2010 and was fully nationalized in 2023. The programme in Yerevan is planned to commence in the 2025–2026 academic year, expanding the reach of nutritious school meals to children in the capital.
WFP activities are aligned with the strategic priorities of the Government of Armenia which is particularly focused on building the resilience of vulnerable communities and households. WFP aims at strengthening food systems through climate sensitive food value chains development.
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