ArmInfo.The Armenian government has set itself the task of modernizing the country's economy. This was stated by the RA Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan in an interview with the Public Television of the Republic of Armenia.
According to him, one of the areas of modernization is improving the situation in the country's agriculture. In other areas of the modernization program, the portfolio of state investments has already amounted to about 300 billion drams, for which business entities have purchased modern machinery, technologies, and equipment. As a result of these measures, it is planned that in 2026 the productivity of the Armenian economy will double compared to 2020-2021. As of now, this productivity has already increased by about 50%.
As for agriculture, the minister noted that processes in this area are developing at a much slower pace, despite the fact that over 50 billion drams have been directed to the area. However, no progress has been observed in such areas as livestock farming. According to the minister, this indicates an ineffective use of financial resources. Farmers, for example, could attract 2 million drams in the form of a loan to purchase a tractor. At the same time, the state will almost completely cover all expenses for servicing interest rates. Citizens will only be required to pay 20% in advance, after which they will have to pay off their loan obligations within five years. "Every year, about 30% of all grain remains in the fields, since old Niva combines are used to harvest it. The government of the country offers farmers to take out loans to purchase new combines at only 2% per annum, while paying an advance payment of 20% of the amount of funds raised, covering them over six years. All those farmers who took this step reached a level of profitability within two to three years," the minister said.
He also pointed out the problems in the sphere of intensive gardens, one of which is that they exist only on paper. Today, this problem no longer exists. The state compensates the costs of only those farmers who are engaged in the establishment of truly intensive gardens. The profit of the owners of intensive gardens is tens of times greater than the profit of traditional gardens.
The Minister emphasized that there is a problem in the livestock sector, which is pointed out by livestock breeders themselves, namely, the low price of dairy products, which makes their production unprofitable. Meanwhile, according to research data, the lowest purchase prices for dairy products in the country correspond to prices in Austria, where local farmers are rich people. "All this once again speaks of the intensity of production. In Austria, 30 liters of milk are obtained from one cow, while in Armenia only 5 liters, draw your own conclusions," Papoyan said, adding that in this area the state is implementing a large investment program to create "smart" farms.
