No drastic increase in wheat prices expected in Armenia, Agriculture Ministry saysAugust 30, 2010 - 13:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Despite the global rise in prices for wheat, no drastic increase is expected in Armenia, the country’s Agriculture Minister said. “The situation is under control,” Gerasim Alaverdyan told reporters on August 30. “We held consultation with seven major wheat importers, who purchased the essential amount of wheat from Kazakhstan and some other countries after Russia imposed restrictions on wheat export. However, Russia will make an exception for Armenia and supply a certain amount of wheat.” The price for wheat fluctuates from AMD 80 to 150 depending on the grade. The importers assured the Minister that there is no monopoly but a strong competition at the wheat market. So, Alaverdyan drew a conclusion that the prices will not go up considerably. As to opinion that the importers themselves inflated the prices, he noted, “It can’t be true. Importers are interested in emptying their storehouses to buy new lots for a lower price.” Armenia needs 650-720 thousand tons of wheat annually. In 2010, the harvest totaled 280 thousand tons against 370 thousand reaped last year. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Fly Arna license suspended, says Armenia official The license of the Armenian airline Fly Arna has been suspended for six months, an official says. President stresses Armenia’s clear position to achieve peace On the eve of the International Francophonie Day, the Armenian President met with French intellectuals. Kazakh Foreign Minister arrives in Armenia Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu on Monday, March 18 arrived in Armenia for a two-day trip. Aliyev touts “good chances” for normalizing ties with Armenia Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared that there are “good chances” for normalizing relations with Armenia. |