Due to the ongoing state-supported programs aimed at encouraging farming, some 70% of arable lands are cultivated in Artsakh today.
“The autumn sown areas have increased by 20,000 hectares this year compared to last year. If some 10 years ago almost half of our arable lands were not cultivated, now over 70% is cultivated,” Artsakh Deputy Minister of Agriculture Vilen Asatryan told Panorama.am.
The government supports and encourages farmers in several ways by providing them with free seeds and mineral fertilizers. This program has been implemented since 2016, having 1000 beneficiaries this year. Unfortunately, this year’s harvest has been greatly damaged due to hailstorms, strong winds and drought.
The grain crops were the most affected. Around 15,000 hectares of agricultural lands, including 13,000 hectares of cereal crops, have been damaged. This year Artsakh’s cereal harvest has been good enough not to import wheat or barley. Moreover, the country has exported nearly 20,000 tons of grain to Armenia throughout 2018.
Apart from traditional fruits and vegetables, Artsakh constantly cultivates new crops and trees, including olives, flax and kiwi, which grow well especially in Hadrut, Martakert and Askeran.
