Ignaty Arakelyan reported to President on agriculture development strategy modification

ArmInfo. During a working meeting with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Agriculture Minister Ignaty Arakelyan reported on the results of the programs launched in 2017 that started in 2018 and the forthcoming programs, and as well as on the progress in fulfilling the instructions given by the head of state before. ArmInfo was informed about this in the press service of the Armenian leader.

According to Arakelyan, since 2017, the policy of state subsidies in the agricultural sphere has been revised, and the assistance provided to the agriculture is now aimed at introducing modern technologies, making agriculture more profitable, effective and attractive for investment. The Minister noted that in 2017 a number of new programs of state support for agriculture started, the results of which are already visible to the beneficiaries.

Arakelyan also reported that in pursuance of the President's order, work was being carried out in the direction of stimulating the export of agricultural products. The minister said that at present there is a noticeable positive trend: growth of about 28% in the production of canned products, 37% in cognac and 48% in wine has been recorded. In order to increase the incomes of rural households and improve the efficiency of their work, a number of programs have been developed and are already being implemented based on the instructions given by the President on May 24.

According to Arakelyan's report, in 2017 pilot programs of state assistance to leasing agricultural machinery, partial subsidization of interest rates on loans provided in agroprocessing, and agricultural programs already have a program for subsidizing interest rates on loans to the agricultural sector, with the most favorable conditions.

This year, programs have been launched to introduce anti-hail networks, drip irrigation systems, state assistance to subsidize credit interest rates for the creation of intensive gardens.

To ensure the development of the sphere, the Armenian President stressed the importance of introducing an agricultural risk insurance system, the preparation for which is scheduled for this year.

According to Arakelyan, in 2018 it is planned to expand the network of machinery and agricultural tools provided under the leasing program. In the process there are works on creation of parks of agricultural machinery. The Minister also reported that this year the State Aid Programs will mainly focus on the development of the livestock sector in the Ministry of Agriculture, in particular, the creation of new breeding farms is planned. According to Arakelyan, steps are also being taken in the direction of developing feed production.

The Minister informed that the Ministry is currently developing a strategy for the development of agriculture.