Armenia’s agricultural output in January-November 2013 amounted to about AMD 857.4 billion, an increase of 6.1 per cent against the same period in 2012, Agriculture Minister said, according to Arka news agency.

Speaking at a news conference, Sergo Karapetyan said the number of cattle has increased by 10,000 to reach 671,000. According to the minister, the agriculture accounts for approximately 24 per cent of the overall GDP, rising from 21 per cent in 2012 and 17 per cent in 2010.

"This suggests that agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the economy," he said.

The ministry data shows that the grain production totaled 544,200 tons, which is over 88,000 tons more than in 2012; potato output rose to 659,600 tons from 647,000 tons in 2012, fruit output rose to 336,800 tons from 331,700 tons.

The minister said that the area of cultivated land has increased by about 35,000 hectares in 2011-2013, reaching 318,800 hectares.

He also said the government will bring in new tractors and other agricultural machinery from Belarus.