Wednesday, 5 August 2009
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan traveled to Vayotz Dzor marz on a working visit to get acquainted with the status of Tamara Fruit CJSC-implemented organic gardens’ project. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chief of Government Staff David Sargsyan, Minister of Economy Nerces Yeritzyan and Minister of Agriculture Gerasim Alaverdyan.
The government has subsidized Tamara Fruit CJSC to the amount of AMD 300 MN for the organic gardens’ project. The company is going to launch an organic tree nursery for raspberry-canes, black and red currant bushes etc. 450.000 saplings are expected to be produced annually covering the needs of about 60 ha gardens nationwide.
First, Tigran Sargsyan went to Hobik section which hosts about 4 ha of blackcurrant and raspberry plantations on the basis of premium quality seedlings imported from Holland.
Then, the Prime Minister called a consultative meeting at the headquarters of Vayotz Dzor marz administration during which he was briefed on the work done under the project.
To begin with, the head of government noted that this innovative project may open up vast opportunities for sustained development of this branch in Armenia. Organic fruit cultivation offers good prospects as it will generate several hundreds of strategic jobs all over the country. The sales problem which has been a serious impediment to farming will be solved as there is a great demand for these fruits Noteworthy is that the processing company is cooperating with farmers under this project.
According to the Prime Minister, this project implies a tripartite agreement between the Government, Tamara Fruit and individual farmers providing for mutual control and a targeted use of funds: “Corruption risks are absent in this case,” Tigran Sargsyan has said by adding that this branch is supposed to have a great export potential in Armenia. 1-2 tons of crops from 50 hectares will result in USD 1.5 worth of exports which can be expanded in the long run. “Farmers are getting know-how with new possibilities offered to them,” the Prime Minister said. The head of government called on our farmers to use the expertise of Tamara Fruit and apply modern technologies in this area. “The market is sizeable enough and we should think of stepping up output,” Tigran Sargsyan noted.
Vayotz Dzor marz governor Vardges Matevosyan expressed high appreciation of the government’s assistance and added that this undertaking may have good outlook in Armenia.
President of Tamara Fruit Boris Hovanisyan advised that 3-4 tons of young trees will be available as early as next year, with 10-12 tons expected within 3-4 years. According to Mr. Hovanisyan, a similar nursery is going to be established in Azatamut village of Idjevan region. AMD 66.3 million has so far been spent out of the total of AMD 300 million allocated in the form of subsidy under the project. Over 100 jobs are currently available at the factory with an average of 3000 dram daily pay. The bulk of Tamara Fruit’s output is exported toward Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Germany.
Minister of Agriculture Gerasim Alaverdyan advised that at this point corporate and individual farmers are submitting bids for over 35 hectares of organic gardens to be launched in Tavush, Lori and Kotayk marzes of Armenia.
