Doesn't Armenia harm Javakhk by supplying potatoes to Georgia? (video)
Armenia may become a country that supplies potato seeds to the neighbouring Georgia. Won’t Armenia harm Javakhk, the main supplier of potatoes to Georgia, by this move. World Vision Armenia has organized the first regional conference [“Potato 2015”] to discuss the issue. Hrach Berberyan, Chairman of the Agrarian Union of Armenia, says the step will increase productivity and open new markets for us. He stresses that Armenia has sustainable harvest and exports it to Georgia and Russia. He adds that farmers from Javakhk have always used different methods to purchase potato seeds from Armenia. “They often complain of the purchased seeds but there can be illusions here. We propose that farmers be connected with each other, reach an agreement and order what they want,” Mr Berberyan said. Farmers in Gegharkunik grow the best potato that has no rival in the entire region. 3,000 tons of high-quality seeds are imported from Europe. Garnik Petrosyan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, says Armenia does not have ‘local potato species.’ “We have always imported potato varieties both during the Soviet era and in modern times,” he said. Farmers of Javakhk are not against this cooperation, they say it can open up new economic opportunities for them; for example, a chip making factory may open in Javakhk.
