Sotk Irrigation System Constructed

The new irrigation infrastructure is part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural production and resilience in the settlement, implemented in close collaboration with the Government, local authorities and the “Hayk for Our Heroes” NGO.

With a storage capacity of 4,400 cubic metres the geomembrane reservoir and a 6.2 km of irrigation system will provide a reliable source of irrigation water and benefit over 800 residents in Sotk. Improved access to water will enable local farmers to make better use of agricultural land, strengthen local food production and livelihoods, and contribute to the community’s long-term resilience and food security.

As Leila Meliouh, WFP Armenia Representative and Country Director, mentioned: “The opening marks a key step in strengthening rural resilience and shows how partnerships and localization can improve livelihoods, increase agricultural production, and create sustainable opportunities for communities. Our work as WFP goes beyond transfer of infrastructure; we transfer skills and know-how to ensure we pass the right knowledge to local hands, empowering communities to lead, manage, and sustain their own development long after our direct footprint fades.”

Emphasizing the role of the irrigation system in the community’s agricultural development, the Governor of Gegharkunik Province, Mr. Karen Sargsyan, underlined: “Irrigation water resources are limited in this region. Thanks to the reservoir, water will be accumulated during the night hours and distributed to the farmers during the day, becoming a vital and reliable auxiliary source of water.”

The ceremony brought together representatives of national and local authorities, including Governor of Gegharkunik Province, the Deputy Chairman of the Water Committee of the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI), representatives from MTAI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local authorities, and partner organizations.

For additional information please contact wfp.yerevan@wfp.org.

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About the United Nations World Food Programme

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been present in Armenia since 1993. Today, it focuses on strengthening national food security, building resilience against emergencies, and supporting the government in achieving Zero Hunger by 2030. Globally, the World Food Programme is the leading humanitarian organization implementing and supporting school meal programs. These initiatives are now recognized as one of the world's most effective social safety nets, providing a critical lifeline for millions of children. As of 2024, approximately 466 million children worldwide receive school meals, an increase of 80 million since 2020. In 2024, WFP directly provided meals, take-home rations, or cash transfers to 20 million schoolchildren across 61 countries. WFP supports governments in 74 countries to reach an additional 139 million children through national programs.