Armenian farmers gather 4,410 tons of apricot
29.06.2012,
17:09
Armenian farmers have so far exported 4,410 tons of apricots, twice as much as a year ago, according to a deputy agriculture minister Robert Makarian. Speaking at a news conference he said last year the country exported a total of 7,300 tons of the fruit.
YEREVAN, June 29. /ARKA/. Armenian farmers have so far exported 4,410 tons of apricots, twice as much as a year ago, according to a deputy agriculture minister Robert Makarian. Speaking at a news conference he said last year the country exported a total of 7,300 tons of the fruit.
Makarian said Armenian apricots are exported to Russia, Georgia and Ukraine. He said local canneries will also increase procurements this year. He said last year canneries bought 2,800 tons of apricots, while this year's procurement volume has already exceeded 2,000 tons.
Makarian said purchase prices range from 70 to 120 drams per kilo, depending on the quality of the fruit. This year’s price is twice lower than in 2010 because of the higher crop.
"Last year farmers sold apricots for export at 600-800 drams, while this year the figure has fallen to 300-400 drams," he said.
The deputy minister said also that canneries have signed over 4000 contracts with farmers and more contracts are being signed.
Makarian also noted that in order to facilitate the farmers the government plans to release 120 million drams for pre-agricultural work and 191 million drams for purchase of fertilizers ($1 - 417.64 drams). -0-
