Armenian economy minister disagrees with official data on agriculture
YEREVAN, August 15. /ARKA/. Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan disagreed with the official figures of the National Statistical Committee that the country's agriculture dropped by 5.5% in the first half of 2022, arguing that the opposite is taking place.
'Actually, we have reasons to talk about growth. First, it should be noted that the state of agriculture is not expressed in numbers because the figures are based on indirect indicators. And for this reason, we want to introduce a new law on agriculture and I hope it will be done by the end of the year and will allow us to collect more accurate data about the sector," Kerobyan said in an interview with the Armenia's Public Television.
According to the minister, the quality of today's statistics does not allow for making correct decisions.
"We have a number of other indicators, which according to both our and the World Bank's assessment, show actually that this sector has been growing. For example, domestic consumption, exports are increasing, so the question is how the output can drop?" the minister wondered.
According to him, the system of recording statistical data must be revised and that is why a new law on agriculture is being developed in cooperation with the National Statistical Committee.
According to Kerobyan, labor productivity in Armenia is three times lower than in Europe, small plots of land, outdated technology are among a string of problems of the agricultural sector.
"We see the solution to these problems in the enlargement of cultivated land, for which the government has recently approved amendments to the Land Code. Pilot programs on consolidation of uncultivated lands will be implemented in four regions and afterwards they will be stimulated through subsidies with the involvement of investors," said Kerobyan.
Kerobyan spoke also about government programs to promote intensive orchards. He said the portfolio of investments in intensive orchards over the past 4 years has reached 61 billion drams.
'However, the effect of these investments will be felt in a few years because of the peculiarities of the sector," the minister said.
According to official statistical data, Armenia's economic activity registered an 11.8% growth in January-June 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. The only sector that showed a decline was the agriculturee, which dropped to about 291.9 billion drams. ($1 - 405.91 drams). --0—
