Armenian Farmers Block Roads in Armavir Over Plummeting Peach Prices
Agricultural workers in Armenia's Armavir province have blocked local roads in protest, demanding an urgent resolution to the crisis surrounding peach sales. Frustrated by unsustainably low procurement prices, the farmers are urging the government to redirect state subsidies directly to producers. Varsham Sargsyan, head of the Armavir municipality, met with the protesters to address their grievances.
Farmers in Armenia's Armavir region staged a protest by blocking a local highway. They are demanding that the government urgently resolve the issue of peach crop sales. The protest was broadcast live on the News.am YouTube channel.
Crop Losses and Low Prices
According to the villagers, procurement companies are offering only about 100 dram per kilogram. As a result, a significant portion of the harvest is left to rot and fall from the trees. One of the participants noted that he has around 90 tons of peaches, which he cannot manage to harvest and sell in time.
"Today I already have 15 tons lying on the ground; tomorrow it will be 30 tons. The harvest is falling every single day," one of the farmers stated.
The protesters are proposing that state subsidies be directed straight to the agricultural producers, rather than solely to exporters. They believe this policy shift would naturally drive up the procurement price.
Authorities' Response
During his meeting with the demonstrators, Armavir Municipality Head Varsham Sargsyan announced that the issue is being discussed with regional authorities and the Ministry of Economy. According to him, the provincial governor is holding meetings with dried fruit producers to find a viable solution. The plan is to involve processors and exporters in the process to increase market competition.
"I am confident that the issue will be resolved," the Armavir municipality head assured.
The Farmers' Ultimatum
Sargsyan proposed meeting again in the evening, but several farmers expressed distrust in the administration's promises. They are worried that by the time a bureaucratic decision is made, the majority of their crops will have spoiled.
"We can wait, but the fruit on the trees cannot," declared one protest participant.
The villagers issued a warning: if a clear solution is not presented by the following day, they will block the road once again.
This article was generated automatically using AI based on reporting from established news sources. All sources are listed below.
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