The government is committed to creating a competitive andefficient,  high-tech and technological agriculture

ArmInfo.Increase efficiencyagriculture and food securityThe introduction of modern  technologies, the increase in export volumes and the growth of  profits for all agricultural entities, ranging from small households  to exporters, will be key areas in the policy of agricultural  development in Armenia.

This is stated in the new government program,  published on the website of the Cabinet."The government considers it  unacceptable that one third of agricultural land is left without  processing, therefore, it intends to develop a number of mechanisms  to increase the targeted use of land resources," the source  noted.Another strategic goal of the government will be to ensure the  availability and expansion of irrigation systems. The program talks  about the introduction of modern systems for collecting rainwater and  drip irrigation, which will lead to savings in water resources. It is  necessary to develop programs of state support for intensive gardens  equipped with modern technologies. A major problem for the rural  sectoreconomy, according to the Cabinet, is the lack of anti-hail  system. 

"The government will take possible measures to introduce the most  effective anti-hail system based on new technologies," the document  says.The Cabinet is committed to improving the targeting of  agricultural subsidies.Steps will be taken to upgrade the machine and  tractor fleet. However, it is planned to increase exportsdevelop  mechanisms to promote the export of Armenian agricultural products to  new markets.To create a competitive and efficient agriculture based  on technology and science, the government has set itself the task of  promoting the development of cooperative agriculture and approving  the necessary minimum conditions for the establishment of  cooperatives. At the same time, the creation of educational,  research, and industrial clusters is envisaged and to deepen  cooperation between educational, scientific, research- and-production  and advisory services in the field of agriculture.

 According to the program, new technologies, agri-food systems and  food safety systems and agricultural insurance will be introduced.The  government program also provides for the provision of an effective  system for preventing the spread and elimination of pests and  diseases in plants and animals, etc.It should be noted that,  according to the data of the RA Statistical Committee, in 2018 the  gross product of agriculture and fisheries amounted to 926.4 billion  drams, which is 7.3% less than a year ago. Only agriculture showed a  decline of 7.6% to 889.7 billion drams.