During the last 3 years in Armavir, marz agriculture is getting infected with dangerous pests, as experts call, Phylloxera. Experts consider these pests very dangerous, as they lay eggs generally on the root and suck the root sap leading to grape deterioration. Phylloxera reproduces at a lightning speed and ruins vineyards.
Experts found a great number of Phylloxera in 8,5 hectares of vineyards of Aghavnatun and Gai communities of Armavir marz. Since it was impossible to combat Phylloxera in operating vineyards and its reproduction was inevitable, the government made up its mind to implement a project involving specific measures to be taken to fight against those pests found in Aghavnatun and Gai communities. Particularly, it is expected to carry out actions in afflicted vineyards; first, fell of the vineyards and second, leave afflicted areas unplanted for 3 years. It is also expected to compensate the owners of damaged vineyards for three years. Annually they will get 1 million and 60 thousand AMD per hectare. According to the government’s decision, the villagers should devastate their vineyards getting 512 thousand AMD per hectare for this work.
At first glance, everything is acceptable; the state carries out a complex struggle against pests and farmers receive compensation. But the latter finds himself cheated.
Vardan Gevorgyan, a grape grower in Aghavnatun, is doing a simple calculation. His land area is 7,500 square meters and annually he insured 17-23 tons of grapes which is 2,38 – 3,22 million AMD based on the factory purchase prices. According to the government’s decision he will get 795 thousand AMD per year. His family consists of 7 members and the only source of income is his demolished vineyard.
Therefore, farmer’s concern is just, because 7-member-family will be given 66 thousand AMD per month. The government has not calculated the land tax in its decision. Thus, farmers will have to pay 40 thousand AMD per hectare for the land tax during 3 years.
Now let us consider it is 2016 and let us assume that Phylloxera is collapsed. How many years does a peasant need to replant his vineyard or establish a new orchard? At least 4-5 years are necessary to develop a vineyard or orchard under the most favorable conditions. And the issue related to how a peasant will feed his family during these years is not included in any decision.