500 Dram for Half a Hectare: Tatoyan on Drastic Reduction of Irrigation Water Prices

The state cannot have real security if it does not value the work of farmers. This was stated by Arman Tatoyan, the prime ministerial candidate from the "Wings of Unity" party, during a meeting with residents in Armavir. He addressed a number of important issues related to agriculture, particularly concerning irrigation water, the procurement of agricultural products, and the social situation of farmers.

“We must do everything to ensure that farmers do not face problems related to irrigation water. Our program clearly outlines a plan regarding irrigation water. The costs should be merely symbolic. If you do not provide water to the farmer, they will struggle all year and will not know what yields to expect. Therefore, we plan to reduce the irrigation water fee for farmers’ personal and non-business purposes; the price for half a hectare should be 500 dram for the entire season, for one hectare it should be 1000 dram, for two hectares it should be 2000 dram, and so on,” Tatoyan said.

He also addressed the issue of agricultural product procurement, noting that it is unacceptable for farmers to be left alone with their problems and forced to negotiate under unequal conditions with major suppliers. Tatoyan emphasized that the state must stand beside farmers in organizing procurements and ensuring fair conditions.

According to the prime ministerial candidate, the development of agriculture and the protection of farmers should become one of the key directions of state policy.