Eight tons of grape at a knockdown price
Residents of Ararat's Taperakan village are worried that they might not be able to store up the crop of their vineyards.
Kochar Bagoyan has a vineyard of one hectare. He has concluded a contract to sell 4,5 tons of grape to a factory in mid-September at the price of AMD130 for a kilo. Kochar does not know what to do with the other 8 tons. He is going to sell the grape at AMD 50 to a random factory.
"I cannot sell the grape in Yerevan as it is difficult to transport the crop to the capital. At best I can transport 300-400 kg, not more. Grape brings no profit. My family would starve if we did not breed animal," says Kochar.
Villagers complain that they cannot collect the money received from the sale.
"We sweat our guts out to receive a good harvest and to feed our children but all in vain," said Sasun Baghdasaryan.
Another problem Taperakan faces today is water. Disappointed villagers leave for abroad in search of better living conditions.
