High prices not linked to export volume
Greengrocers say the high prices of fruit and vegetables in Yerevan markets are not conditioned by the export volume.
"None of our villagers has exported fruit or vegetables as we all harvested little crop this year," says Lusik Sargsyan, resident of Sisavan village, Ararat Marz.
Mrs. Sargsyan says they harvested 100 kg apricot from a 200-hectare garden and sold it at AMD 1000 per a kilogram while in 2009 the family received 2 tons of apricot.
"Last year we earned AMD 500 000 and were able to export our product aboard whereas this year we received AMD 100 000," he said.
The website of the RA State Revenue Committee reports that Armenia exported more fruit and vegetables in 2010 than in 2009.
"Perhaps, some individuals have orchards and have collected a good harvest. But our harvest was very poor, I assure you," says Ofik Galstyan, resident of Eghegnut village, Armavir marz.
Mrs. Offik grows water-melon, melon and aubergine. This year she calculates to have 30 tons of water-melon compared with 50-60 tons of previous years.
"Peasants have to raise prices to afford fertilizer and rent. We hardly make both ends meet with the money received from the sale," she concluded.
