Why is irrigation important for farming in the Ararat Plain?

Irrigation is essential for farming in the Ararat Plain because it allows this low, sunny region to maintain high-quality agricultural productivity despite the area's climate.1

While the plain is a significant agricultural zone, the region requires consistent water management to support the cultivation of valuable crops, particularly grapes and various fruits like peaches and apricots. To facilitate this, extensive infrastructure—including storage lakes, dams, pumping stations, and irrigation canals—has been developed to distribute water effectively. This system is vital for the region's economy, as more than half of Armenia's total arable land is irrigated to ensure successful harvests.1