Former Armenian Minister of Agriculture, Ashot Arutyunyan, expressed optimism during a press conference on April 16th regarding the likelihood of Armenia seeing a high-quality and plentiful apricot harvest this year.
Arutyunyan noted that the flowering and pollination of apricot trees had proceeded exceptionally well. Currently, in the Ararat Valley and mountainous regions, the fruit formation process is nearing completion.
In light of this, Arutyunyan urged relevant authorities to prepare for exporting apricots abroad without hesitation, emphasizing Russia as the primary market, with some exports to Ukraine and minor quantities to the Middle East.
It's worth noting that Armenia's State Statistical Committee does not provide separate data on apricot yields, lumping them with other fruits like cherries, peaches, and plums in customs data. However, the first half of 2023 saw a surge in fruit exports, totalling 20400 tons, an 11.8% increase from 2022, albeit with a decreased value of $16.3 million, down by 11% from the previous year.
source: finport.am