Farmer Has Neither Seeds Nor Fuel; Without Government Assistance, I Will Be Left Alone Here, Says Border Community Leader of Aravus

Three days ago, a fire broke out on the Azerbaijani side of the border near Aravus, which was quickly extinguished. This time, the fire did not reach the Armenian section of the border.

In an interview with Factinfo, Aravus community leader Argam Hovsepyan stated that the Azerbaijanis set fire to their part of the border. “Our fields, wheat, and barley crops are left there. They burned a couple of hectares and then quickly extinguished it,” he noted.

The community leader indicates that the current situation in Aravus is normal. There are no gunshots or other provocations at the moment. However, the situation of the farmers is worrisome. Almost no livestock remains in the community. Everyone has sold their animals, and farmers keep about 1-2 livestock each. The community leader himself had 65 cows, but now only has one left.

“Out of 65 cows, 12 crossed the border, and I couldn’t bring them back; I sold the rest. We bought them with the money we had collected. Let’s assume the livestock was worth 400-500 thousand; we managed to buy them cheaply for 90-100 thousand. Some also took loans, promising to pay back later, but have not yet done so. That’s our situation now,” stated Argam Hovsepyan.

He notes that he bought wheat for 280 drams, sowed it, and now his 22 hectares have fallen under enemy control. The community leader appeals to the government, requesting that they provide farmers with free seeds and fuel, otherwise the farmers will find themselves in dire conditions.

“Now, where are we supposed to get seeds or fuel? At this moment, only one resident has left the village. He moved his wife and children to Goris, while he continues to live here. If the government does not provide assistance, I can say that I will be left alone here,” added Argam Hovsepyan.