Heads of rural communities warned against trying to sell fertilizers at high prices

YEREVAN, January 26. /ARKA/. Armenia’s ministry of agriculture warned heads of rural communities against trying to sell a 50 kg sack of fertilizer to farmers at more than 6,000 Drams, saying the raised money should be transferred to supplier companies. In a statement the ministry said transportation of sacks is free fro farmers. The distribution of fertilizers at the mentioned price is part of a government-supported program to help farmers obtain fertilizers at affordable prices.

"The process of transportation of fertilizers and their delivery to communities is organized by the government with the assistance of provincial governor’s offices. Community leaders must ensure unloading, warehousing and fair distribution," the statement says.The ministry has set up a task force to supervise the process steered by a deputy minister Samvel Galstyan. The ministry said if farmers see any breach of this order they may call at the hotline (37 410) 54 19 68.

The State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC) ruled Tuesday to fine Katherine Group in the amount of 10 million drams for the abuse of its dominant position in the market of fertilizers. The SCPEC had conducted a monitoring finding out that Katherine Group sold a sack of fertilizer at 8,000 drams, by one thousand drams more than the market value.

In 2011 Armenia experienced an artificially created shortage of fertilizers. In spring retail price of a sack was 7,100-7,200 drams climbing to 11,000 and even 15,000 in summer.

Today, Armenia imports annually approximately 30,000 tons of nitrogenous fertilizers mainly from Georgia, Russia and Iran. ($1-387.74 drams) -0-