SHIRAK MARZ IS DEPRIVED OF CROP

A1+
[12:37 pm] 29 June, 2006

The sowing areas of Shirak marz have greatly suffered because of the
recent hail and aridity. On the whole, about 23 communities suffered
because of the hail falling last week.

About 1250 hectares arable lands suffered by 30%, 150 lands – by 50%
and 70 lands – by 70% and so on. There is no hope for recovery. In
some cases the representatives of the marzpetaran (regional council)
advised to use unripe crop as fodder.

The observation of the Shirak marz corresponding committee is still
under way. According to the specialists’ calculations the total harm
of the region is about 300 million AMD by now. Romik Manoukyan,
Shirak marzpet claims that the aridity was preferable to the hail
as the harm would have been partial in that case and they could have
saved part of the harvest.

According to the marzpetaran the government is already aware of
the situation. He maintains that their foremost task is to provide
the peasants with seeds without any discrimination, that’s to say
rendering equal assistance.

The current situation signals to the necessity of having anti-hail
system. Romik Manoukyan noted on this score that the testing of the
systems has been under way since last year and Shirak marz will be
one of the first regions where anti-hail systems will be located in
case they give positive results.

TV Company "Tsayg," Gyumri