Expert: National Statistical Service tries to do Agriculture Ministry an ill turn

PanARMENIAN.Net - Doctor of Economics, professor, founder of Alternative Center for Education, Policy Research and Economic Analysis Tatul Manaseryan said that with its report for Q1 2011, the Armenian National Statistical Service (NSS) tries to do officials in the field of agriculture an ill turn.

Some people try to draw figures, bringing the example of a growth recorded in agriculture by the NSS, according to which 26% increase was recorded in it in February compared to January and 21% - in March compared to February, Manaseryan told a press conference in Yerevan.

According to him, the real results will be seen only early in summer.

Manaseryan noted that the fact that officials started visiting villages in 2011 and “administering agriculture not from their offices” is a real progress in Armenia’s agriculture.

The expert also said that a comprehensive policy towards villages is required.

“Agriculture is subsidized in all developed countries,” the economic said, adding that Armenia should follow the example of those countries, which were in the same situation as Armenia, pointing to Eastern European and Baltic countries, as well as Kazakhstan.