Approximately 110K Flowers Exported From Armenia to Russia In 2004

YEREVAN, January 5 (Noyan Tapan). In 2004, 100 thousand lilies and
about 10 thousand roses were exported from Armenia to Russia (mainly
Moscow). These flowers were grown within the framework of Florian
program implemented by gratis funding of the Dutch government.

According to Koryun Hovakimian, executive director of the Agroproject
center, it is envisaged to export about 100 thousand lilies and 80-100
thousand roses this year. In accordance with the Florian program with
a budget of 700 thousand euros, modern equipment has been installed
and the experts advice provided to 4 greenhouses located near Yerevan
in order to organize growing flowers there. Unlike the Dutch roses and
lilies that are sold for 1.5-2 euros apiece on the Russian market, the
Armenian roses and especially lilies cost 2-2.5 apiece. According to
K. Hovakimian, this is conditioned by these roses' high quality, which
is ensured by using the modern Dutch technology and bulbs imported
from the Netherlands, as well as thanks to most favorable climatic
conditions in Armenia.