Armenia`s economy minister presents assistance programmes for  slaughterhouses 

ArmInfo. To meet the  minimum demand in the slaughterhouse sector in Armenia, at least 100  slaughterhouses are needed. This was stated in an interview by the Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan. 

He noted that in order to provide them, the state has developed a  number of programs that will stimulate the activities of  slaughterhouses in Armenia. In particular, the minister spoke about  the leasing program, within the framework of which the state  subsidizes 80% of the down payment and interest rates of 12% (in the  case of a dram loan) and 7% (dollar) for the purchase of a mobile  slaughterhouse. In this regard, Papoyan noted that on average the  cost of the latter is 20 million drams, the down payment is 20% or  3.2 million drams, of which the state subsidizes 80%. Thus, the  purchase of this machine by a farmer or community will cost 800  thousand drams, the remaining amount will be paid gradually according  to the leasing transaction schedule.

In addition, the minister spoke about a government project that  provides for subsidizing the process of organizing the slaughter of  livestock in existing slaughterhouses for residents free of charge.  That is, the state will cover the costs of organizing the process,  thereby making the process financially beneficial for slaughterhouse  owners, and will stimulate the slaughter of livestock in  slaughterhouses.

At the same time, the head of the department recalled that in our  country there are opportunities for the construction of  slaughterhouses, which will cost those interested 2 million drams. It  will be possible to slaughter 7-8 animals there daily.

Papoyan also noted that many slaughterhouses have been built in  Armenia, but for various reasons they do not function. Basically,  according to the minister, due to the lack of demand - people do not  take livestock to slaughterhouses for slaughter, but carry out these  processes in their yards. In this regard, the minister expressed  confidence that the latter will also soon begin to function, taking  into account various state support instruments. In addition to  ensuring the safety of animal products for citizens, all this, as  Papoyan noted, will also allow for livestock accounting, which in  turn will increase the effectiveness of the policy pursued in this  area. At the same time, the Minister of Economy noted that Armenia is  following the path of Austria, which 30 years ago had a similar  situation in the issue of livestock slaughter.