The Armenian government’s green light to cheese export resulted in a dramatic rise in prices, according to agronomist Garnik Petrosyan.

“400 tons of cheese was exported in 2010, against 200 tons in 2009. As far as I know, 350 more tons will be exported,” he told journalists on November 16.

“I welcome the government’s efforts to boost export volumes, however, the needs of local market should never be neglected,” Petrosyan emphasized.

He also said he witnessed tens of Iran-bound trucks loaded with mutton in Aragatsotn province of Armenia.

As to rise in prices for agricultural products, he said the prices for potato doubled in 2010 due to higher prices for diesel fuel, gas and irrigation water.