HARVEST OF GRAIN IN 2005

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
15 July 05

The harvest of arable crops started in the plains of the republic
about three weeks ago. The vice minister of agriculture of NKR Vladimir
Zakiyan said by July 13 over 33 thousand hectares of the 59 thousand
511 hectares (3 thousand hectares more than in the previous year)
have been harvested. 278 combines work in the fields. The number
of machines has increased greatly since the previous year. In the
past months many big farm owners have bought combines, besides, the
adjacent regions of Armenia have lent machines. Over 47 thousand
tonnes of grain has been collected. The average crop yield per
hectare is 1.43 tonnes. This is low compared to the previous year
but, according to the vice minister, hopefully on the expense of the
crops of high lands the average crop yield will reach the level of
2004. The low yield is caused by weather, says the minister. Besides,
a small area of land is irrigated, crop rotation and fertilization
is not on a sufficient level. Another factor is the quality of the
seeds, which is not sufficient either. Nevertheless, the main factor
is the weather. The month of April is the period when winter wheat
needs maximum humidity. In the current year it was very dry in April,
which was bad for the growth of wheat, and as a result the crop yield
is law. In reference to the sales and already fixed low prices for
grain, Vladimir Zakiyan said hopefully the problem will be solved
because the quality of life of villagers and development of wheat
production heavily depends on this.

AA.
15-07-2005
From: Baghdasarian