Armenian government promises to assist land users with sale
of surplus potatoes
05-02-2009 14:00:00 | Armenia | Economy
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 5, NOYAN TAPAN. Large amounts of potatoes
have accumulated in farms, and there are problems with their
sale, the member of "PAP" faction Hrant Madatian said at the
February 4 sitting of the National Assembly. According to him,
in Gagharkunik marz (province), the potato surplus makes 70
thousand tons, and the farmers expect the state to assist them
with its sale.
The RA minister of agriculture Aramayis Grigorian said that
no VAT is imposed on the export of up to 2.5 tons of potatoes,
which is a privilage for those who export small amounts of
potatoes. Besides, the government is conducting negotiations
with Georgia on this issue. In the words of the Georgian
minister of agriculture, their country needs potato seeds, and
their amount is now being determined.
A. Grigorian announced that the prime minister had met with
those engaged in the processing sector, and an agreement had been
reached to take steps for solution of the indicated problem. He
added that previously the government urged farmers to sell
potatoes for 75 drams a kilogram - at a lower than market
price, but the latter did not agree.