August 2, 2010

Armenia to import 1,500 tonnes of wheat seeds

This year, Armenia is looking at importing nearly 1500 tonnes of high yielding variety of wheat seeds "Elita".

The government of Armenia has allocated AMD558 million (US$1.5 million) for this purpose, according to Gerasim Alaverdyan, Minister of Agriculture.

He said that 950 tonnes of seeds will be purchased in Russia from "Luch" LLC and another 500 tonnes from local producers at seed growing centres in Gyumri and Etchmiadzin and from two private companies. Another 60 tonnes will be supplied from Russia without compensation for testing. The minister said that the government has approved funds for these purposes as part of the recently approved programme of plant growing and seed production for 2014.

The programme will upgrade the self-sufficiency level of the country in wheat production from the present 37% to 55%. He said that annual wheat consumption in Armenia is 650,000-720,000 tonnes. Local production for 2007-2009 totalled 254,000 tonnes, 225,000 tonnes and 198,000 tonnes, respectively. The quantity deficiency is imported from Russia, the minister said.