Ararat Valley, located in Southern Armenia, is known for its fertile land that is used for agriculture1. Beneath the valley lies an aquifer that allows it to have fertile soil, making it an ideal place to farm. Unfortunately, in recent times, the valley has begun to face some challenges regarding its water usage and mismanagement2. As groundwater levels decline, the land is gradually degrading, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to cultivate crops. This threatens not only local agriculture but also the livelihoods that depend on it.
The importance of underground water basins is immeasurable. These natural reservoirs store vast amounts of water, allowing it to gradually flow into rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water3. This process provides essential resources for drinking, agriculture, and everyday use. Additionally, underground basins help to regulate water cycles, eventually preventing natural disasters like floods4.
One of the reasons why the water in the underground basin in the Ararat Valley is depleting is the rapid extraction of that water5. Armenians living in that region use the water for a variety of reasons, including extensive agricultural farming and fish farming5. As the water level drops year after year, the consequences are becoming severe.
With the volume of water decreasing rapidly in the basin, agriculture is under threat in the Ararat Valley. Fish farming, while recently introduced in the area, is becoming widely popular; however, due to the decrease of water in the area, it is becoming more difficult to carry out this certain type of farming. Fruits such as pears and apricots5 have been grown in the area for many years, alongside different kinds of vegetables. Agriculture has really thrived in the region, which is why so many people farm there. Once the land starts to degrade, the soil will no longer be as rich as it was in the years prior, this poses a threat to the Armenian citizens living in the valley as they will no longer have access to fresh produce. Equally importantly, they will be unable to grow their own crops. The Armenians living in this area survive off of the agricultural market here, and without this, they have to source new ways to obtain fresh vegetables and fruits.
As the volume of water in the Ararat Valley water basin decreases, taking immediate action is necessary to preserve the valley’s soil and water. Armenians living in the valley must conserve and start using the water wisely, in order to properly grow crops. Additionally, becoming more educated on environmentally friendly farming techniques is extremely important, as this will help begin to heal the land in the areas that have been severely degraded. These changes will not only ensure the growth of crops, but will also guarantee continued financial growth to the vital farming industry of the region.
Sources
1 – Ontosight.AI; 2025; https://ontosight.ai/glossary/term/Another-Setting—Armenia
2 – Jam-news.net; 2024; https://jam-news.net/water-shortage-in-armenia/
3 – www.worldwildlife.org; 2022; https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-is-groundwater-and-why-is-it-so-important
4 – Water.ca.gov; 2025; https://water.ca.gov/water-basics/groundwater
5 – e360.yale.edu; 2023; https://e360.yale.edu/features/armenia-fish-farms-groundwater-agriculture
