Armenia exports 80% more apricots in 2012 from 2011- Minister

YEREVAN, September 3. /ARKA/. Armenia exported approximately 80% more apricots this year compared to 2011, Agriculture Minister Sergo Karapetyan told journalists on Saturday.

Apricot export totaled 12,954 thousand tons this year against 7,223 thousand tons in 2011. Agriculture Ministry of Armenia expects the fruit outcome to reach 300,000-350,000 tons this year versus 229,4 thousand tons in 2011. Armenian farmers have already gathered 70,150 thousand tons of apricots against 42,8 thousand tons from a year earlier.

“And the export of the agricultural production was 15.7% higher from that of 2011,” Minister said.

According to Mr. Karapetyan, Armenia is not currently facing any issues with purchases, the media sources report on issues related to purchasing peaches, but peaches are actually being bought.

As of now Armenia has already exported 520 tons of peaches, and the process is ongoing. Last year Armenia exported 400 tons, Minister said adding that purchase, export and market coordination are conducted on a high level.

Mr. Karepetyan also informed that as of now Armenia has purchased slightly over 15,000 tons of vegetables and nearly 8900 tons of fruits, higher from last year’s numbers several times. —0-