Ignaty Arakelyan: Armenian Ministry of Agriculture will shortly present a program to support farmers by leasing out agricultural equipment

ArmInfo. The Armenian Ministry  of Agriculture is preparing a program to support the farm enterprises  by leasing out agricultural equipment, Armenian Minister of  Agriculture Ignaty Arakelyan said following the Government's sitting  on Feb 2, when replying to ArmInfo's question.    

In this context, the minister noted that meetings were held with the  Russian and Canadian manufacturers of agricultural equipment, as well  as with German partners. Companies from the Czech Republic, Poland  and Belarus are interested in cooperation. The minister pointed out  that Armenia may make use of the program supporting export of  agricultural equipment manufactured in Russia. In that case, the  equipment will cost cheaper for the Armenian side.  "The market is  open and we are discussing all possible options," Arakelyan said.  

As regards the need to enhance the villagers' agrarian awareness,  which has repeatedly been spoken about by Prime Minister Karen  Karapetyan, at present Armenia even lacks an opportunity to organize  normal agriculture. "There is no mechanization of systems, drip  irrigation, hail protection and financial funds to apply these  systems. Consequently, villagers use the tools they have. Our current  task is to introduce financial mechanisms so that the farmer can  benefit from the prospects independently or within cooperatives",  Arakelyan stated. 

Besides, the Minister informed that jointly with Head of Agrarian  University a program is being developed to raise awareness in  agriculture field. Particularly, a college may be established, which  will prepare focused specialists in the field. 

To recall, on January 26 during the government's session Prime  Minister Karen Karapetyan urged to develop a program of assistance  for leasing of agricultural equipment. The Minister of Agriculture  was instructed to hold meetings with representatives of producers of  agricultural equipment from Russia and other countries for discussing  the terms of supply.