Armenia focuses on boosting food securityInternational organizations also state that agriculture has a key role in development of a country’s economy. Even developed countries have to tackle food security problems today, therefore these issues have appeared in EU spotlight in the past three years. Same is the situation in CIS states. Though development of the Convention on Food Security was a step forward for Armenia, the level of food security still lags behind the international average. So the government needs to put a stronger focus on these issues. March 31, 2012 PanARMENIAN.Net - In particular, the local production should be enhanced through creation of relevant infrastructures on places, which will result in increased export volumes, and also boost the level of Armenia’s food security. The most notable measure undertaken by the government in this direction is the implementation of programs aimed at promoting grain crops self-sufficiency, such as “Development of seed farming and production of wheat seeds for 2010-2014,” “Development of barley and seed production in 2011,” “Development of corn production in 2011.” 650-720 thous. tons of grain crops are annually used in Armenia, only 435-450 thous. tons of which are used for food purposes. Local production totals 168-175 thous. tons, with the deficit met through import, the volume of which annually grossed 380-420 thous. tons for the past five years. In 2011, the production volume of crops exceeded the index of 2010 by 35%, with the level of wheat self-sufficiency totaling 38.7% (5% growth against the 2010 figure). It is worth noting that use of high-quality seeds increased Armenia’s sown area by 20 thous. hectares in 2012, and the level of self-sufficiency will amount to 60-70% by 2014. International organizations also state that agriculture has a key role in development of a country’s economy. In particular, according to United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia Dafina Gercheva, food security issues receive much attention by the national government; there are structures and experts who work to solve these problems. However, Armenia now has to unite separate agricultural plots to boost their competitiveness. Despite its high quality production, Armenia faces many obstacles hindering the export; therefore a relevant agricultural policy, currently lacking in the country, should be developed. Victoria Araratyan / PanARMENIAN News Most popular in the section Armenia’s “useless” manpower Small and medium sized businesses weigh in on consequences of war Hybrid banknotes New markets opening for home-grown products More articles in this section 4 rules for business success An ultimate guide Reduction of personnel and tax collection growth State Revenue Committee changes its policy Countries and goods that boosted Armenian export in 2016 Record figures | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. Mkhitaryan raises arrest of former Karabakh leaders in Azerbaijan Inter Milan star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has shared a news story about the extension of the arrest of former Karabakh leaders. |