Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan announced the search for new wheat suppliers. At a joint meeting of the standing committees of the National Assembly on November 5, when the draft state budget for 2025 was being discussed, the minister said he was negotiating with several countries to diversify wheat imports.
“We are looking for alternative sources of imports. This is a normal and logical process, which is not directed against any country. If we imported 99% of wheat, for example, from Romania, I would negotiate with Russia on imports,” Papoyan is quoted in the economic media.
According to the minister, wheat cultivation in Armenia is not economically profitable. From one hectare, farmers receive products worth approximately $1,031, with costs of $1,082.
“For production to be profitable, it is necessary to subsidize about 206 dollars per hectare,” – pointed out the minister.
Papoyan also noted that global wheat prices have fallen significantly, making domestic production even less economically attractive.
In 2023, Armenia produced 130 thousand tons of wheat and imported 450 thousand tons, mainly from Russia.
Despite the economic inconvenience, the minister highlighted the importance of stimulating wheat cultivation, even with negative profitability, on vacant lands to ensure the country’s food security.
