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 | U.S. welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan’s border delimitation announcement Blinken said it is an important step towards concluding a durable and dignified peace agreement. Residents Of border villages protest as Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on delimitation Residents of several Armenian communities in the northeastern Tavush province began protests late on Friday. European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. |