Pythagoras and Armenian Animal Husbandry

The ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras (ca. 570–495 BCE) was far ahead of his time. He believed that numbers were not merely mathematical constructs but the key to understanding the mysteries of the universe. Numbers, in his philosophy, were the fundamental building blocks of all things.

Among his profound insights into numbers were statements such as, “Number rules the universe,” and “The world is built on the power of numbers,” “The beauty of numbers is that they are the purest form of truth.”

Let us turn to numbers and examine the state of animal husbandry in Armenia from Pythagoras’s point of view.

The Decline of Livestock in Armenia

In 2021, Armenia had approximately 613,500 head of cattle. Just two years later, in 2023, this number dropped to 501,500—a decline of 112,000 animals or 18.2% over two years. Compared to 2014, when the country had around 677,500 head of cattle, the decline over the past decade is a staggering 176,000 animals, equating to a 26% reduction.

By Pythagoras’s measure of truth, these numbers signal an agricultural crisis. The scale of this decline raises an alarming question: how long before cattle are considered endangered in Armenia? Cattle reproduce slowly, producing only one calf per year under optimal conditions.

Armenia’s Dependence on Imported Meat

While domestic livestock numbers shrink, Armenia increasingly relies on imported meat. Each year, Armenia imports approximately:

  • 9,000–10,000 tons of beef (20% of local demand),
  • 12,000 tons of pork (50–60% of demand),
  • 40,000 tons of poultry (80% of demand).

If each kilogram of imported meat costs just 1,000 AMD (~$2.50), Armenians collectively spend $155 million annually on imported meat. Over a decade, this amounts to $1.5 billion—a significant outflow of money enriching foreign farmers rather than local producers.

Is Armenia a Meat-Loving Nation?

Surprisingly, Armenians are not among the world’s top meat consumers.

  • Per capita, Armenians consume about 55 kg of meat annually.
  • Americans consume 124 kg, nearly twice as much.
  • Russians consume 83 kg, and Israelis consume 76 kg per capita.

Despite consuming far less meat than these nations, Armenia struggles to meet its domestic demand.

Agricultural Potential vs. Output

To understand why, let’s compare Armenia’s agricultural output with similarly sized nations:

  • Belgium (30,528 km²): $10 billion in agricultural production, including potatoes, sugar beets, grains, and pork.
  • Netherlands (41,543 km²): $100 billion, focusing on cheese, vegetables, and meat.
  • Denmark (42,933 km²): $14 billion, primarily pork, dairy, and barley.

In contrast, Armenia (29,742 km²) produces just $1.6 billion annually, mainly fruits, vegetables, and livestock. The gap is stark, especially considering that 68% of Armenia’s land (2,043,510 ha) is agricultural.

The Problem with Armenia’s Pastures

Armenia’s agricultural land includes:

  • 57% as pastures and hayfields (1,171,650 ha).
  • Yet, 80% of these pastures are remote and underutilized.
  • The remaining 20% near settlements suffer from overgrazing and degradation.

This mismanagement leads to economic stagnation and missed opportunities.

The Path Forward: Regenerative Grazing

If Armenia implemented regenerative grazing on just 25% of its unused pastureland (250,000 ha), with a modest yield of 250 kg of meat per hectare, the annual production could reach 62,500 tons—enough to offset imports. At a conservative price of 1,000 AMD/kg, this would generate $156.25 million annually for the local economy.

Pythagoras might remind us that the numbers never lie. Armenia’s agricultural and livestock sectors have untapped potential. By leveraging its vast pastures and adopting sustainable practices, Armenia can not only reduce its reliance on imports but also transform its economy and rural communities.

Written by Ashot Boghossian for Mountain High Farms

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