Border Opening Could Completely Destroy Agriculture, Agnesa Khomoyan to Papoyan

"We don’t even have a Ministry of Agriculture. It was closed during your administration. Can you explain to a farmer in Armavir who grows cucumbers or tomatoes, or has a greenhouse, what to expect after the border opens? Our agriculture is already in a dire state, and such a move would mean its absolute end," said Agnesa Khomoyan, a member of the "Armenia" alliance, during today's session of the RA National Assembly's Standing Committee on Regional and Eurasian Integration.

In response, Gevorg Papoyan assured that citizens should not be worried, as there are sufficient tools and financial mechanisms in place to prevent any negative impact on agriculture. "Whether we have a Ministry of Agriculture or not is just a play on words. There are deputy ministers and relevant programs that are being implemented at the same scale. For example, today in the village of Azatana, Shirak region, potatoes are being purchased from the field for 150 drams. Grapes are also being bought at the same price. Our citizens should not be concerned because we have sufficient tools and financial mechanisms to prevent any negative impact," said Papoyan.