YEREVAN (Arka)—Given the small size of the local market, the development of industrial agriculture in Armenia is contingent largely on export potential, according to the findings of a study conducted by the Ameria consulting company.
The study called ‘Development of Industrial Agriculture in Armenia” indicates the prerequisites, constraints, and risks for the development of this sector. The focus in the study is on development of greenhouses, horticulture and fish farming.
Experts point out that gardening in Armenia will have no serious development obstacles in the next 10 years given that anti-hail stations are built and effectively run. The major risks and obstacles to the development of this industry are natural and climatic factors, mainly hail.
“The growing amount of arable land used for vineyards and fruit trees is an indicator of the potential for the development of horticulture in Armenia”, the study says. About two-thirds of fruit trees are in the Armavir, Ararat, Aragatsotn and Kotayk regions. Ararat and Armavir account for the bulk of fruit and vegetable output.
According to the study, there are 900 greenhouses in the country with a total area of 130 hectares (321 acres). The largest greenhouse lies on 5 hectares (12 acres) of land. About 60% of their output is vegetables – tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and peppers – and 40% are flowers and ornamental plants.
According to Ameria experts, the prospects for large greenhouse developments in the next five years are estimated as average, while the prospects of small and medium-sized greenhouses are assessed as not promising.
As the findings of the study show, the average annual growth of aquaculture in the last 10 years was about 28.5%, while exports of fish and fish products have increased by a factor of 4.7. Prospects for the development of fisheries are also evaluated as average. The study states that if some issues with regulation are resolved, this sector may advance tangibly.
Is this supposed to be a “good thing”?
Industrial agriculture is the cause of much soil degradation and other problems in the U.S. Do we really want this for Armenia?
Is anyone thinking about these things, or just jumping on every bandwagon that comes by?