Armenian government expects 6 percent increase in grape output
26.07.2012,
19:14
The Armenian government anticipates about a 6 percent increase in the domestic production of grapes, a major component of the country’s agricultural output, this year, according to agricultural minister Sergo Karapetian. According to the official data, Armenia’s grape output totaled last year some 200,000 metric tons.
YEREVAN, July 26. /ARKA/. The Armenian government anticipates about a 6 percent increase in the domestic production of grapes, a major component of the country’s agricultural output, this year, according to agricultural minister Sergo Karapetian. According to the official data, Armenia’s grape output totaled last year some 200,000 metric tons.
Speaking at a news conference, Karapetian declined to speak about the grape purchasing price, saying they will be announced in September when harvesting will start. He said they will not be lower of last year’s prices.
In 2011 the average purchasing price was 120-130 drams per kilo. Earlier, head of the Union of Armenian Winemakers, Avag Harutyunyan, said the grape output this year would drop by 10 percent to about 180,00 metric tons.
According to the National Statistical Service, the agricultural gross output in the first half of this year amounted to 203.6 billion drams, which is 8.1% more than in the same period last year. ($1 - 409.26 drams). -0-
