The Armenian government approved a support program for fish farms operating in the Ararat and Armavir regions during its meeting on July 30. According to Armenpress, the decision was made unanimously.
Economy Minister Gegham Papoyan reported that the project aims to provide support to 135 fish farming enterprises engaged in the breeding of sturgeon and carp species, as well as the production of fertilized fish eggs and caviar, which must also be VAT (Value Added Tax) payers.
According to him, the support will be provided as a one-time compensation amounting to 20% of the average cost of fish feed for one month, purchased in the first half of 2026. The cost for one kilogram has been calculated at 900 drams. The necessity for this program is due to certain financial difficulties arising from export restrictions on fish and fish products faced by fish producers. It is essential to alleviate these difficulties so that they can lower their production costs and, consequently, have the opportunity to reduce prices in the domestic market. At the same time, by lowering production costs, they will be able to enter new markets,” the minister noted.
Gegham Papoyan emphasized that the program will prioritize the certification of fish feed and its compliance with EAEU and EU standards.
Other points of the program relate to the mechanisms through which entrepreneurs can apply for this support.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, emphasizing the importance of the provided support, also addressed existing issues in the sector. He noted that despite the long-standing call for the diversification of economic ties, actual diversification has not occurred.
Nikol Pashinyan also mentioned that according to the data from the State Revenue Committee, enterprises engaged in fish farming pay taxes amounting to 2.5-3 billion drams annually, raising questions about the potential existence of a shadow economy in the sector. The Prime Minister stated that the government will also pursue an investigation into this issue.
Questions also arise regarding the efficiency of using the artesian waters of the Ararat Valley and the quality of the produced fish products:
“I have spoken many times about standards. To what extent does the quality of the product meet the standards? Moreover, it should not be generalized: there are producers who comply, but there are also those who do not. For example, I will share my personal experience. I have not consumed farmed fish for a long time,” the Prime Minister stated.
The head of government, emphasizing the importance of state support for entrepreneurs in difficult situations, also noted that it should be directed towards the development of the respective sectors.
Nikol Pashinyan stated that the current issue with the export of Armenian products is not a crisis but an opportunity to develop the economy and adapt products to modern international requirements, which must be fully utilized.
It was also announced that the government is ready to discuss existing issues in direct meetings and discussions with entrepreneurs.
