Lusine Nalbandyan: “Support may also be in the form of not hindering”

The ORWACO Armenian company, engaged in the production of organic fertilizers, is the only one in the world that makes the compost used for mushroom production into organic fertilizers, and also in production volumes. At the end of last year, the company was recognized as one of the winners of “Organic Farming Development” competition implemented by ACBA-CREDIT AGRICOLE BANK and the German Society for the Conservation of Natur.  Lusine Nalbandian, 33-year old agronomist, co-founder and executive director of the company, was also awarded the title of Agriculture Food  Female Hero by the Ministry of Agriculture this year which is an assessment of her efforts to implement and disseminate the idea of ​​organic fertilizer.

– My first work experience, which is still going on, has been in the “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment” NGO. I worked as an Agro ecological Expert, Coordinator of various projects at the NGO. In 2009, Norwegian Rolf Kerry, a native of Norway, came up with a problem with organic waste that is worthwhile, but cannot be used without recycling. From that time on, our cooperation started, we performed various tests and managed to get bioaccumulation from biogas waste. That successful experience was one of the reasons why ORWACO was founded. It could be said that my professional dream was: give the waste a second life and get extra value from them. ORWACO was established in 2011 as a result of the joint investment of Armenian and Norwegian individuals and companies.

– How was your innovation accepted?

– I Can say something: it is very difficult to bring our farmer who are used to  mineral fertilizers, to the organic field and introduce an organic product. As for how it was admitted, I cannot say badly. We are well received, moreover, all those who once use our fertilizer are glad to return to us. Of course, over time, the number of users of our products has increased, but cannot say that we have reached the level of prevalence we can reach. There were many difficulties. And first of all, they are linked to their thinking and attitudes. Many look at agriculture as a source of short-term income. Farmers and structures with such a mentality are unlikely to become our consumers, because in our case it is about taking care of the land, and only then it will give a lasting positive outcome.

–  What do you consider your most successful product?

– We produce four types of fertilizers, all of which are unique, but we consider the first product to be biohumus, but not the usual one but derived from production waste. There is no such experience in the world, and we are the only one here. In addition, we produce bioaccumulation, organomyx, and supercomplex, which are also unique in their type. We ideally solve all the issues that are solved by other organic fertilizers, but our extras are somewhat different. They are used in the whole republic and in Artsakh, we have the biggest consumers in Ararat, Armavir, Aragatsotn and Kotayk regions. We can say that we have an unlimited advancement opportunity because at present we use a very small percentage of the available organic waste.

– It’s difficult for a woman to be a leader?

I do not think there are significant differences between being a woman or a man. ORWACO is an interesting but perhaps non-feminine field. But this is a job I love. Here I have the responsibility not only for pure management, but also for the coordination and implementation of technological processes. I do my job with love and maybe that’s just one of the pillars of our success.

– What do you need today to ensure sectoral development?

 –  Support may also be in the form of not hindering. To say that there is a specific intention, no of course, but when the use of mineral fertilizers in the form of subsidies is already inhibited, because of this, unequal competition is created. As a small country we cannot compete with many larger countries in quantitative terms in the field of agriculture. We can only compete with quality. And the quality of the product is the organic product for which organic fertilizers are needed. I think it is necessary for the country to adopt a policy of transition to clean and organic agriculture, as a result of which the product will be able to compete with its quality and to be presented at a higher price category. The future of agriculture in Armenia is only in the development of organic agriculture, otherwise simply it will be impossible to compete with the world’s gigantic companies and manufacturers.

Full text in Armenian