Yerevan/Mediamax/. Armenian Ministry of Agriculture took up realization of the program on developing seed growing in the country.

Mediamax reports that Minister Gerasim Alaverdyan said this in Yerevan today.

Speaking for the journalists, the Minister informed that they expect import of 950 tons of elite wheat seeds by September 15-20, and 500 tons more will be purchased from local seed growers. Sowing of these seeds will be realized on 5 thousand fertile and healthy lands in Shirak, Gegharkunik and Aragatsotn marzes of Armenia. Applications have already been received from heads of these regions for 18 thousand hectares. By 2014, they plan to expand wheat sowing areas to 125 thousand hectares, and this fact will allow increasing the level of self-sufficiency for wheat to up to 55% from the current 30%.

Gerasim Alaverdyan stated that they do not expect significant increase of prices for wheat products in the nearest future, and the “insignificant increase of prices”, which took place, according to him, is related to prices for wheat in the international market, as well as to the growth of the cost of transportation. Minister informed that in August wheat is imported in Armenia from Kazakhstan, the USA and Bulgaria. According to him, the country possesses reserves of bread-wheat for 3-4 months and one should not make a fuss around the change of prices. Gerasim Alaverdyan did not rule out the possibility of export of a particular volume of wheat from Russia. According to him, the corresponding agreement has been reached between Armenian and Russian Presidents.

The Minister noted that in the nearest future they expect reduction of prices for potatoes, and this is related to the abundant yield, which made 500 thousand tons this year. He noted that the demand of the Armenian market makes up to 330 thousand tons, and the remaining volume will be exported to Georgia and Iran.

Reduction of agricultural production this year is mainly related to the unfavorable weather conditions, which negatively influenced plant growing, the Minister stated. According to him, production volumes in animal husbandry will undergo insignificant growth, as compared to last year. Gerasim Alaverdyan informed that grape purchase price this year will make no less than 120 AMD per a kilo. Yerevan Brandy Company will purchase grape at the price of 130 AMD/kg.