Gerasim Alaverdyan: 3-5% growth will be recorded in Armenia’s agriculture by end of 2010

PanARMENIAN.Net - On July 29, Armenian Minister of Agriculture Gerasim Alaverdyan said that despite 13.1% drop in Armenia’s agriculture during the first half of 2010, the situation may improve by the end of 2010.

“We expect 3-5% growth by the end of 2010,” Alaverdyan told journalists.

According to him, the drop in agriculture is basically conditioned by climatic conditions, what has resulted in a significant decrease in harvest of fruit trees, vegetables, as well as melons and gourds. “The harvest of fruit trees totaled 80,000 this year against 161,000t in 2009. The harvest of apricots made 25,000 this year against 85,000t in 2009. Its export amounted to 2,000t in 2010 against 13,000t last year. Around 25-30% of harvest has suffered,” noted Alaverdyan.

Moreover, according to the Minister, harvesting has been delayed in Armenia for 25-30 days as a result of frosts, pouring rains and bad pollination.

Gerasim Alaverdyan added that a good harvest of grapes is expected this year – around 215,000t against 85,000t last year. Besides, a considerable growth is expected in sales of meat foods. Meanwhile, 50% growth was recorded in the poultry field and egg production during the first half of 2010.