Grape Growers in Ararat Open Road Amid Protests Over Low Purchase Prices

Residents from several villages in the administrative territory of Pkhort Vedi have reopened a road that they had previously closed in protest. They had blocked the road demanding representatives from the government and regional administration to address their concerns.

In a conversation with NEWS.am, Pkhort Vedi Mayor Norik Martirosyan stated that the closure was prompted by the low purchase price of grapes, which currently stands at 110 AMD. However, grape growers are concerned that it may drop even further.

“110 AMD is actually the cost price of grapes; shouldn't they at least buy it for 150-140 AMD? When we calculate, that is the cost of producing 1 kg of grapes. Now, these people are saying they might destroy their vineyards if things stay this way, as the cost of treatment and everything else has increased, while the purchase price remains the same. They are demanding that the purchase price be maintained at least at 150 AMD; otherwise, they will destroy their vineyards. Back in 1993, when the purchase price was 50-60 AMD, grape growers completely destroyed their vineyards,” the mayor explained.

We previously reported that residents from several villages in the Pkhort Vedi area once again closed the road in protest related to grape purchasing prices. The grape growers are demanding a meeting with the governor and a representative from the government.

It is worth noting that during the last government meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Suren Papikyan stated that there will no longer be cases where grape growers obstruct the road without justification.