NO DAMAGE TO ARARAT VALLEY BY LATE FROSTS IN ARMENIA

ARKA
Apr 15, 2009

YEREVAN, April 15. /ARKA/. The late frosts have hardly caused any
damage to the Ararat valley, RA Deputy Minister of Agriculture Samvel
Galstyan told reporters.

He pointed out that the situation was more serious in the lowlands.

Specifically, low temperature was registered in the lowlands of the
Armavir region about a week ago. However, he said that this cannot
have caused any serious damage, especially to stone fruits – apricots,
plum and peaches.

Galstyan also reported that the strongest frosts were registered in the
Tavush region, Vaiots Dzor, Lori, Aragatsotn, Kotayk – 4-10 below zero.

He pointed out that drupes will be most seriously damaged in the
regions in questions.

"On the instruction of the Minister of Agriculture, a special
commission was formed to study the consequences and determine the
damage in cooperation with the regional administrations," Galstyan
said.

He pointed out that the Government will be properly informed of the
situation to limit the damage.

"I do not think we will not have any serious damage in the [Ararat]
valley. We have one year ahead, but even now I can say that the frosts
will not cause grave damage, which will allow the farmers to meet
the market demand and leave the prices unchanged," Galstyan said.