Friday, 19 March 2010
Agricultural cooperation high on the Premier’s agenda
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan traveled to Armavir marz to get acquainted with the activities of agricultural cooperatives.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Chair of Public Council Vazgen Manukyan, Minister of Agriculture Gerasim Alaverdyan and other stakeholders. The Premier first called at Lukashin village. Tigran Sargsyan was briefed on the problems faced by the farmers the bulk of which had a legal and financial bias. The head of government answered the questions asked by cooperative and community members. After which corresponding assignments were given to the representatives of concerned agencies.
The Prime Minister next went to Vanand village where he met with the representatives of “Vanand” consumers’ cooperative. The issues discussed bore on irrigation, procurement of farming tools, low-rate borrowing and sales opportunities. It was decided to set up small entities on the spot for the purchase of milk and other farm products from local farmers. The villagers advised the Prime Minister that the kindergarten and the school needed upgrading.
Concerning the sales’ problem, the Prime Minister said in part: “Once we understand the bottlenecks faced by the cooperative, we can help you get preferential loans and farming tools. There is a key problem voiced at every meeting, namely the one associated with the sales. Should the State provide the needed infrastructures, you will get rid of your problems, farming will thrive and the trade banks will extend loans. We would like to see whether you are pleased with the emergence of agricultural cooperatives in general, what strengths and weaknesses have been identified so far. We need this to make the right decision on the matter so that the planned assistance may prove targeted and effective.”
The Prime Minister summarized the concerns and grievances voiced by the villagers and the executives of “Vanand” cooperative to take them up at government proceedings.
