THIS YEAR WAS SUCCESSFUL FOR AGRICULTURE, – RA MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
STATES
YEREVAN, December 30 (Noyan Tapan). The year 2004 has been successful
for Armenia’s agriculture: the gross product growth made 13.2%, while
the specific weight of agriculture in the RA GDP was 21%. David
Lokian, the RA Minister of Agriculture, stated this at the December 30
press conference. According to the minister, the year 2005 will be
favorable for the sphere of agricultire in terms of investments: in
particular it is envisaged to carry out the work of 120 million
dollars within the framework of the Millennium Challenges program (the
US), as well as to do the work of 200 million dollars by resources
provided by the Lincy Foundation. It was also noted that under the
terms of two credit programs implemented in the sphere of agriculture,
medium-term credits to be given to Armenian farms in 2005 will be
provided for 1-3 years, while long-term ones – for 7 years. Crediting
of farms will be implemented through banks, and the interest rate of
credit resources provided to banks will be reduced almost twice and
will make 1.5-3%. The minister expressed the view the extension of
credit repayment term and the reduction of interest rate will
contribute to updating agricultural equipment and increasing the
production volume. D. Lokian stated that in 2004, farms were leased
about 272 units of agricultural equipment, including 36 tractors. 51
Chinese tractors complete with all necessary farm tools were also sold
to farms at reduced prices. It was noted that 12 tons of nitric
fertilizer has been stored. In the spring of 2005, the ferilizer will
be sold to farms at a discount – 50 kilogrames for 3,700 drams (about
7 dollars). According to D. Lokian, 3 thousand tons of fertilizer was
provided to farms this autumn on the same conditions.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress