‘You Distort What I Say’: Kerobyan on Meeting with Grape Growers

Armenia's Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan, addressing the meeting with grape growers, stated in a conversation with reporters: “You distort what I say; the expression about destroying orchards has never come out of my mouth. I have said that everyone should create significant results and if you have a small plot of land, it is obvious you cannot create a large outcome. You either have to expand your land holdings or engage in other activities that will yield a large result. The Government is working to consolidate agriculture solely for the purpose of allowing those engaged in agriculture to have good income. If you have a small plot of land, evidently, no matter what you do, you won’t be able to generate enough income to adequately support your family; that is self-deception. I have many friends living in the village who have left agriculture and are engaged in other activities,” he stated.

The Minister noted that it may sound harsh, but people need to understand that the state is not obligated to subsidize to the extent that it ensures a sufficient income for them.