Agricultural producers of over 20 communities in Sisian region, southern Armenia, will increase their profit as a result of a new market near Ishxanasar village due to open mid December. The roadside market is the first in the region and will spare villagers from walking to markets 100 km north or 60 km south to sell their agricultural products.

World Vision's Sisian Area Development Programme (ADP) and Microfinance Institution, SEF International supported the market; World Vision carried out all the construction works, while SEF International provided with consultation through the whole construction process and while selecting Operations Manager for the market.

'The initiative came from the villagers of the ADP communities who claimed that it was very hard to take their products through bad roads to the nearest markets: in winter their goods would freeze during the journey, while in summer their products would spoil because of the heat,' said Ashot Babayan, Sisian ADP Coordinator.

'The villagers will have a warm and comfortable venue for selling their goods, and they will not be charged for their first six months of use. The nearby location of the market will also spare villagers the cost of transportation to markets further away,' said Genik Gevorgyan, 41, the Market Operations Manager.

'Sisian-Goris highway, where the market is situated, is an optimal location since it is busy all year around. The market will attract consumers since the prices will be comparatively low.'

A 20 meters long pavilion will host about 30 villagers, who also can store their products in a warehouse near the market.

To further develop the market, Gevorgyan plans to apply for a loan from SEF International to open a small shop or café nearby. The business will generate income that will ensure the market's proper maintenance and functioning. 'With the generated income we will be able to expand the market and increase the salaries of the people who work there,' he added.

SEF International supported the initiative since its clients engaged in agriculture production in Sisian and Goris areas have limited access to markets to sell their goods, resulting in low cash flow for loan repayment and development of their farms. The business the market will bring to SEF clients will increase the positive impact of loans on farmers' businesses, households and communities.