414.82 EUR 
Armenia’s Agricultural Association to test spring-planted elite seeds given to farmers
YEREVAN, February 27. /ARKA/. Agricultural Association of Armenia will test the quality of spring-planted elite seeds distributed to Armenian farmers, President of Association Hrach Berberyan said Wednesday.
Armenia’s government approved seed crop program last Thursday. In the frames of the program, farmers will be provided with high-quality seeds at low prices.
Some part of the seeds was imported, the other part was bought from domestic producers. In total, the farmers will be provided with 850 tons of spring-planted barley seeds, 11 tons of corn, 37 tons of clover, 530 tons of sainfoin (Eurasian perennial herbs of the legume family).
“We will unveil their quality features as soon as we test the samples. Agriculture needs high-quality seeds which will guarantee good harvest. Some 850 tons of spring-planted elite seeds will turn into 4,000 tons next year,” Berberyan said.
He informed 168 farmers found themselves in a tough situation as the previous seed program failed to be successfully implemented. At that time, the farmers were unable to pay off for the low-quality seeds.
“Officials are to blame for this failure, and they should be brought to responsibility. We will be consistent in this matter,” he added.
He also noted this agricultural year seems to be successful.
“The year started successfully as we haven’t faced water shortage: this year’s snow cover was quite enough for us to have irrigation water. Our main concerns just refer to April frosts which are dangerous for gardening, but we can avoid it if we do everything rationally,” Berberyan explained.
According to the statistics, Armenia produced 455,000 grains and cereals in 2012 which was 3.3% higher from a year earlier.
Agriculture in Armenia posted 9.5% growth last year. -0-
19:16 27.02.2013
