Armenia’s Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan, announced the search for new wheat suppliers, noting the unprofitability of domestic wheat production.
During a joint session of the National Assembly’s standing committees on November 5, while discussing the 2025 state budget, Minister Papoyan shared that Armenia is in talks with several countries to diversify its wheat imports.
“We are considering alternative sources for wheat imports. This is a normal, logical process, not aimed against any specific country. If we were importing 99% of our wheat from, say, Romania, I would be negotiating imports with Russia,” Papoyan explained.
According to the minister, wheat cultivation in Armenia is economically unviable. Farmers generate about $1,031 per hectare but incur costs of approximately $1,082. “To make production profitable, subsidies of around $206 per hectare would be necessary,” the minister noted.
Papoyan also highlighted that global wheat prices have dropped significantly, making domestic production even less economically appealing.
In 2023, Armenia produced 130,000 tons of wheat while importing 450,000 tons, primarily from Russia.
Despite the economic impracticality, the minister emphasized the importance of encouraging wheat cultivation on unused lands, even at a loss, to enhance the country’s food security.
