Armenian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Samvel Avetisyan said that the financing of Armenia’s agriculture has halved in 2010, totaling AMD 600mln against 1.6 billion in 2008 and 2009.

“Due to the crisis, the state financing has significantly reduced, making around 600mln,” Mr. Avetisyan told a press conference in Yerevan on April 21.

According to him, a part of the allocated funds is foreseen for the animal husbandry, specifically, for providing services and vaccination, another part is provided for preserving the crop production.

In addition, the Chinese government granted 61 tractors to Armenia.

Samvel Avetisyan added that the government also plans to allocate huge funds for the financing of irrigation water system, the charge for which rose from AMD 9 to 11 per 1 cubic meter.

“Certainly, these measures are not enough, since agriculture requires substantial state assistance, due to its specific nature. Agriculture is not reduced to agricultural production, but it also involves development of rural territories and communities, protection of landscapes and ecology, etc” Mr. Avetisyan said.

At the same time, the Deputy Minister added that with worsening of production conditions, a farmer not only incurs losses but even leaves the business.