Farmers in Aghavnadzor close all facilities, demand pay for last year’s produce
Residents of Aghavnadzor community in Vayots Dzor marz have closed for an indefinite time all working facilities of the village, including the village hall, kindergarten and school, Headman Ashot Galstyan told A1+ on the phone. Only the hospital continues to work in the village. The villagers demand payment for the grapes they sold to distilleries last year. Unlike other marzes and villages, Areni is the most widespread variety of grape in this community, which is purchased by "VEDI ALCO" CJSC. The company owes local grape-growers AMD 126 million for their produce it bought in 2015. Ashot Galstyan says all relevant agencies are aware of the problem, but so far, no one has responded to them. “The governor of Vayots Dzor marz had urged the farmers to wait until the formation of a new cabinet and then they would try to solve the problem. However, the farmers say they have been hearing empty promises for a long time and cannot wait any longer,” Mr. Galstyan said. The head of the village says they do not know what to do with this year’s produce. Villagers of Aghavnadzor started protests from September 1, refusing to send their children to school at the beginning of the new academic year.
