During 2012 agricultural year the shortage of irrigation water was observed. Some peasants related the lack of irrigation water to Akhuryan well, and others to the drying up of deep wells. However, before harvest started many farms suffered losses due to the lack of irrigation water in Armavir marz.
What should peasants expect this year? Predictions do not inspire optimism. Akhuryan well, which is considered to be the main irrigation water supplier in the Ararat Valley, is half-empty and has not managed to rise to the last year’s level. In his visit to Armavir marz deputy prime minister of RA, Armen Gevorgyan, urged not to panic so early. Nevertheless, concerns over the fact are more than justified and it is necessary to take measures at least to alleviate the situation.
Perhaps it would be much fairer to openly present the real picture of the situation to the farms and urge them to quit the intention of developing aquatic crops.
During Soviet years without Akhuryan well the Ararat Valley was being irrigated by 600 deep wells and Araqs River. Therefore, why the shortage of Akhuryan well water creates big problems for the farms.
The point is that a part of deep wells in the Ararat Valley has been dried up due to fishing industry while the others push the water out using only 30 – 50 percent of its capacity and can not complete the necessary water reserves. Hence, state assistance is more than necessary to solve the problem.
It should be noted that in the fishing industry sector water per cubic meter costs 1-5 luma, while irrigation water costs 11-15 drams, ie 1000 times more expensive.