Water is more expensive than milk
Residents of Chambarak region refuse to till the soil.
"Every day villagers submit applications stating they resign their lands," Chambarak Mayor Yura Avalyan told A1+.
"The locals cannot even pay the annual 5000 AMD tax per one hectare of land. They receive no profit since the lands are in mountainous areas void of irritation system," he added.
Resident Edik Avetisyan says they cannot even afford fuel and techniques to cultivate their lands.
"About 600 000 AMD is required for one hectare of land. The money is spent on seed, fuel, and transport. We spend 50 drams on a kilo of potato which is sold at 25-30 AMD in neighboring Vardenis," said Mr. Avetisyan.
Local residents mostly breed cattle. The government has allotted privileged loans to boost cattle-breeding in the region but according to Chambarak Mayor, villagers cannot repay the money.
I took an agricultural loan to buy cows. But today I have to sell the cattle to settle the debt," says Ara Sargsyan.
"Factories price 80 AMD for a liter of milk. One needs to sell two liters of milk to buy half a liter of mineral water. (A liter of milk is sold at 330-350 MAD outside the factory)
The 6-member family of Chambarak's citizen Anahit lives on family benefit.
"No one ever makes inquiries about our social state. Certain people appear during elections, promise the moon and disappear... We have to take the proposed 2000 AMD though we know their promises will not be kept," says Anahit.
