Friday, 11 March 2016
PM Chairs Consultative Meeting in Government
Chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, a consultative meeting was held today in the Office of Government, attended by Minister of Territorial Administration and Development David Lokyan, Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan, Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan, Marz governors and representatives of government agencies and departments.
The participants discussed planned regional infrastructure development programs, preparations for the spring agricultural campaign, implementation of anti-flood measures, improvement of social services and a variety of other issues. Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan reported that a 11.7% growth was recorded last year as a result of coordinated work with Marz administrations in agriculture, and in 2015 was first developed more than 19 thousand hectares of land as compared to 2014. Currently the amount of cultivated arable land is 79 percent nationwide.
The Minister said that the spring agricultural works have already started in the Ararat valley, Aragatsotn foothills, Kotayk Marz due to favorable weather conditions. 70% of barley seeds have already been distributed to farmers; underway is the process of state-subsidized import of fertilizers, and diesel fuel has been distributed. According to the Prime Minister’s instructions, 6% government-subsidized agricultural loans are being extended at the annual rate of 8%.
The Minister stressed that the elimination of the last year has already begun to work with processors of provision for proper organization. Sergo Karapetyan said that the last two months have seen an increase in fruit and vegetable exports. As of today, 17 thousand 800 tons of fruit and vegetables exported 7 thousand 300 tons of the same period last year. Reference has been made with the preparations for the opening of the irrigation season. It was reported that appropriate measures are implemented, all pumping stations in order to be ready for the start of the season without any problem.
Prime Minister Abrahamyan stressed that this issue should not give rise to any problem and the farmers should get irrigation water in time.
The meeting next discussed the formation of complex social service centers under the World Bank-supported “Social Protection Administration Project 2plans.” Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan said that the World Bank within the framework of the 2nd project is expected to create 37 regional centers in the country, of which 20 will be operational during the current year. Overall, the number of such centers should be taken to 52 from the current 18.
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan instructed Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development David Lokyan to discuss with Marz governors the allocation of land needed for the construction of the aforementioned centers and submit relevant proposals. Regarding the work of local social service agencies, the Premier once again stressed the importance of transparent and impartial operations and efficacious management. The Prime Minister instructed the governors and heads of relevant agencies to continue making consistent steps to maximize the transparency of the activities of local service centers and prevent irregularities.
In conclusion, the meeting discussed issues related to the implementation of priority anti-flood measures in 2016. It was noted that AMD 680 million will be allocated from the State budget to carry out relevant activities in Armavir, Ararat, Gegharkunik and Syunik Marzes. The project implies strengthening of coastal areas of the Araxes River.
