ARMENIA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR SHOWS 3.2% GROWTH LAST YEAR

ARKA
Feb 3, 2009

YEREVAN, February 3. /ARKA/. Last year the Armenian agricultural
sector showed 3.2% growth, RA Minister of Agriculture Aramais Grigoryan
reported at the RA Government’s sitting.

He pointed out 1.5% growth in crop production and 6.4% growth in
cattle-breeding.

Last year the RA Ministry of Agriculture accomplished all the tasks
incorporated in the Ra Government’s program, the Minister said.

Grigoryan pointed out that the Ministry advanced legislative
initiatives approved by the Government.

Among the shortcomings the Minister included the delay in the
adoption of legal norms on food safety, as well as the program of
auction sale of agricultural equipment, which was not completed. He
pointed out that one more auction is shortly to be held for a number
of communities in the Aragatsotn region.

"We have to accomplish our priority tasks in the agricultural sector.

Live-st5ock business development projects have been submitted to
the Government. We are also negotiating with the private sector and,
after getting the results, we plan to make proposals for the sector’s
development," Grigoryan said.

RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan pointed out that the inspections
conducted at the Ministry of Agriculture by the Supervisory Chamber
showed the need for measures to prevent negative phenomena this year.

"We need to clearly determine the mini stry’s functions this year,
including the positions, for the ministry to have a clear idea of
its own functions and establish more efficient cooperation with the
private sector," the Premier said.