WB providing effective innovative support to Armenia’s agriculture - Laura Bailey

Ms Laura E. Bailey, World Bank Country Manager in Armenia, visited Syunik a few days ago, to assess the results of the Community Agricultural Resource Management and Competitiveness Project for Armenia.

In an interview with Tert.am, she said that, with the World Bank’s support, Armenia’s agriculture is both efficient and innovative.

The major challenge facing the WB and Armenia’s Ministry of Agriculture is introducing new ideas and innovations on the basis of traditions, Ms Laura E. Bailey said.

The WB will continue investing in Armenia’s agriculture. On the other hand, the WB encourages farmers and cooperative societies to become employ innovations and apply for loans.

Citing Armenia’s irrigation system as an example, Ms Laura E. Bailey said that it is greatly dependent on pumping stations they are energy-consuming and expensive. However, investments have been made for ten years in gravity irrigation, which does not consume any electric energy.

Comparing Armenia’s agriculture with that of the other regional states, Ms Laura E. Bailey said that some of Armenia’s sectors are rather competitive as compared with the other regional states. On the other hand, other sectors have great potential that could be of benefit to Armenia.

For example, Armenian apricots have special flavor, whereas Moldovan apricots do not have. However, Moldova invested in networks protecting apricot trees from hail.

The WB may need similar investments to support Armenia’s agriculture, Ms Laura E. Bailey said.

She also highlighted expected expansion of Armenian-Iranian trade. Ms Laura E. Bailey presented programs the WB is implementing in cooperation with Armenia’s government.

The WB is urging the Armenian government to cooperate with other donors as well – one interested in and capable of supporting agriculture.

An agreement on irrigation programs is to be signed with the Eurasian Bank on Wednesday.

The WB has a technical agreement with the Eurasian Bank – one on close contacts and necessary supervision, Ms Laura E. Bailey said.