VANADZOR, AUGUST 1, NOYAN TAPAN. The frost in April and May was followed by a drought and heavy rains that had quite serious consequences for the agriculture of Lori marz. Vazgen Ohanian, chief expert of the agriculture and environmental protection department of the regional administration, told NT correspondent that previously 13-14 centners of grain was harvested from a hectare, whereas this year the average yield makes 3 centners. Harvest is underway in the low-lying Chochkan, Shnogh, Mets Ayrum and other communities of the marz. Grain has already been harvested from 500 ha. Haymaking volumes will also decline by about 70% compared with the previous years. 3,000 tons of hay has been made. After the completion of haymaking, the amount of hay is expected not to exceed 30 thousand tons, while in 2005, this index exceeded 100 thousand tons.

---