RA Minister of Agriculture sees great opportunities for sheep breeding in Armenia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Minister of Agriculture Gerasim Alaverdyan said that a concept of sheep breeding has been developed in Armenia.

Currently, it is being considered by the RA government, Alaverdyan told a press conference on December 24.

“In my opinion, there are all opportunities in Armenia for sheep breeding development to achieve serious success in increasing export volumes,” he said.

The Minister noted that 1% decline was recorded in animal husbandry. However, sales in this field will grow in December due to New Year holidays, resulting in 1-1.5% growth by the end of 2010, the figure to total 127,000-130,000t by weight.

According to Alaverdyan, insignificant growth was recorded in livestock number. “The number of cattle grew by 8,000 heads compared to the beginning of 2010, while the number of small cattle – by 9,000 heads. At the same time, the pig stock decreased by 17,000 heads, as cases of African swine fever were recorded again,” said Alaverdyan.

He noted that 100,000 heads of small cattle were exported in 2010 against 147,000 in 2009.