March 29, 2012

Armenia's grain plantings acreage to gain 20,000 hectares

Armenia's sown land will increase by 20,000 hectares thanks to high-quality seeds, according to the RA Deputy Minister of Agriculture.

"We will be able to bring the level to 60-70% by 2014," Robert Makaryan said.

In 2011 the production volume of crops exceeded the index of 2010, with the level of wheat self-sufficiency totalling 38.7% (5% growth against the 2010 figure).

Such results were achieved in Armenia due to implementation of such programs as "Development of seed farming and production of wheat seeds for 2010-2014," "Development of barley and seed production in 2011," "Development of corn production in 2011."

650,000-720,000 tonnes of grain crops are annually used in Armenia, only 435,000-450,000 tonnes of which are used for food purposes. Local production totals 168,000-175,000 tonnes, with the deficit met through import, the volume of which annually grossed 380,000-420,000 tonnes for the past five years.