The Armenian agriculture sustained damage last year – due to unfavorable weather on the one hand, and and for lack of attention on the other hand, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan told journalist. The Armenian leader participated in a conference on agricultural problems and development programs in Armenia for 2011 in Tsakhkadzor.

Among the participants were also Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan, Chairman of the Public Council of Armenia Vazgen Manukyan, farmers and managers of agricultural enterprises.

Talking to journalists following the sitting, the Armenian leader said: “Yesterday I urged our economic team to step up its efforts and pay special attention to the agricultural sector.

“Numerous programs were implemented, which, however, were not always effective. New ones need to be launched. With the help of such programs we must convince people they are not alone, and there are government officials that are as much interested in success as farmers themselves,” the Armenian leader said.

Although foreign policy tasks are of paramount importance, they can only be accomplished if the state has solid grounds. “Agriculture is one of the major sectors in the state. The agricultural season is near. This is out last conference. It is most important that it be attended not only by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, but also by farmers, managers of agricultural enterprises, local officials who are well aware of the problems,” President Sargsyan said. He hopes this year farmers will be recouped for their last year’s losses.