YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Acting minister of agriculture Ignati Arakelyan briefed President Sargsyan on May 24 on the ongoing structural reforms in the ministry, priority issues and target programs of state assistance, the President’s Office told ARMENPRESS.

Arakelyan briefed that during the year the ministry continued providing farmers with subsidized loans, fertilizers, diesel fuel and seeds with affordable prices, new programs have been launched with savings – aimed at agricultural development.

The President tasked to advance the programs on boosting exports of competitive agricultural products, substituting imported goods with local production, providing agricultural equipment leasing and modernizing the equipment, and increasing the efficiency of farming businesses and increasing their revenues.

The acting minister was also tasked with designing a targeted program with a specific timeline and continue work directed at introducing drip irrigation systems and anti-hail systems in farming businesses and ensure the sector’s development.

Arakelyan briefed the President on the programs implemented by the Armenian winemaking and viticulture foundation, which will enable to develop winemaking and improve quality of production, as well as increase exports.

The minister also mentioned the ongoing works regarding the introduction of an insurance system, implementation of forest preservation services, preservation of Sevan Lake’s fauna, issues related to livestock, seed production etc.