YEREVAN, MARCH 28, NOYAN TAPAN. By the decision of the Armenian government, subsidies of 1.6 bln drams (about 5.1 mln USD) will be provided to farms this year. NT correspobdent was informed by Vanya Davtian, a unit head of the Agency of Subsidizing of the RA ministry of agriculture that last year beneficiaries of 12 communities in Gegharkunik and Aragatsotn marzes received pilot subsidies, whereas this year subsidies will be given to land users of Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik, Lori, Shirak, Syunik and Tavush marzes. According to V. Davtian, 35 thousand drams (about 108 USD) will be paid for 1 hectare sown with autumn and spring cereals, first-year perennial fodder crops and newly-planted vineyards and orchards. 17.5 thousand drams will be provided for perennial fodder crops of second and later years and fruit-bearing vineyards and orchards. The unit head said that beneficiaries will receive subsidies for a maximum of 7 ha. The subsidy payment will start in July after the agreements with all beneficiaries have been signed.

---