ArmInfo. "During the visit to Russia, the issue of export was discussed, and they even expect that our exports will grow," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during the meeting. He held a meeting on June 18 with the participation of heads of relevant departments, during which issues related to milk procurement, fruit and vegetable export, and the organization of the irrigation process were discussed.
In particular, as the press service of the government reports, Agriculture Minister Artur Khachatryan, touching on the problem of milk procurement, presented possible causes that affect the formation of the price of milk.
Prime Minister Pashinyan stressed that it is necessary to take consistent steps to maintain the standards of dairy products, and to raise awareness of citizens. Nikol Pashinyan instructed representatives of relevant departments to form a working group that will consider in detail the existing problems and submit proposals on their solution, taking into account the importance of protecting the interests of farms. As for export of fruit and vegetable products, the premier was informed that the process is currently being organized at the proper level. In particular, it was reported that as of June 15, 37,446 tons of fruit and vegetables were exported from the republic, compared to 28,651 tons for the same period last year. In 2018, 14,652 tons of apricots were exported, instead of 26 tons in the same period in 2017, as well as 2,377 tons of cherries, compared to 420 tons last year. Responsible spheres stated that export markets also expanded. In particular, exports are organized not only to Russia, but also to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Georgia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and other countries. Prime Minister Pashinyan noted the importance of continued growth in export volumes and instructed officials to keep all possible problems in daily focus, to be in direct contact with foreign partners to prevent various problems.
As the prime minister pointed out, during the visit to Russia the issue of export was discussed, and they even expect that the volumes of Armenian exports will grow. "Our partners in Russia have problems with filling the market, and they hope that we will support them on this issue," Pashinyan said, stressing the importance of ensuring compliance with sanitary regulations for exported products.
In connection with the organization of the irrigation process, it was reported that the process is proceeding at the proper level, which is also facilitated by favorable weather conditions. The Prime Minister also stressed the need to organize daily coordinated work on this issue.
On June 14, dozens of farmers gathered near the government building of Armenia, protesting against low procurement prices for milk. If in the winter period prices kept at a level in the range of 180 - 230 drams per liter, today they reached 110 drams 150-140 drams. Meanwhile, the harvester, they said, sells it 450 drams per liter. Meanwhile, as they told the ArmInfo correspondent, in order to "not sink" and somehow "stay afloat", the purchase price for milk today should not be less than 160 drams. Otherwise, they threatened with the delivery of milk to Yerevan with cisterns and free distribution to its residents as a charity gesture. Yesterday, having gathered once again at the government building, they demanded to set a fixed price for milk, regardless of the season.
According to expert estimates, Armenia's self-sufficiency in milk is 93%, and the average milk consumption is 257.7 kg per person per year. The structure of production is dominated by small farms.
