R. Azaryan says that there was not much crop due to the lack of necessary technological equipment and dysfunction of the agro-technological devices. This year, the region had 84% of winter crops. The state had provided a loan with which the farmers bought 342 tons of seeds and 170 tons of diesel. Viticulture is also developing in the region. In 2004, there were 48,7 hectares of vineyards and that number went up to 109 in 2005. The state has provided a 13,000 dollar loan for growing vineyards. According to Azaryan, Martuni has produced 4845 tons of grapes. Development of viticulture mainly has to do with crops and selling the grapes at the right time.
The government has also given a 64,400 dollar loan for cattle-raising which Azaryan says will help the region produce fresh and ecologically clean products.
Instead of the 400,000 dollars for capital construction, the state has provided the region with 1,288,900 dollars. Reconstruction of the #1 school has already started. The schools in the Yemishtchan and Taghavard villages are under construction, as well as the culture homes of Ghuze Tchartar, Martuni and Paravatumb. The central hospital of the region is also under reconstruction and it will be finished in 2006.
Some work has been done for improving the water supply system. Some streets have been reconstructed, asphalted and covered with metal, while others are still in the process.
The roads from the region to the capital are deteriorated. People can not cross the Gishi-Nngi-Stepanakert road and they are forced to go through Martuni just to get to the capital city Stepanakert.
Based on R. Azaryan’s information, the region’s Karmir Shuka-Amaras, Jivani-Karmir Shuka, Spitakashen-Martuni, Ashan-Hatsi routes are being repaired, as well as the general routes moving from the Mushkapat, Haghort and Kert villages. The two bridges going towards the village of Ashan from the highway are under construction.
Twenty families of deceased soldiers have been provided with homes and money for communal expenses. Twelve houses have been built across the region for the rehabilitation of refugees.
Gasification is still underway and 660,000 dollars has been funded for construction. At the present, only the city of Martuni, as well as 11 communities within the region are supplied with gas and 19 remain.
Mr. Azaryan also stated the fact that there are not enough jobs for specialists who have a middle school or university education. That problem was solved in some way due to the reopening of poultry and wine factories and development of small businesses. However, the problem has not fully been solved despite funding provided by the state. There is a lack of working potential, but now there are specialists coming from Stepanakert and other cities.
In regard to this year’s projects, Azaryan said that with the help of the government and benefactors, they will solve educational, cultural and sports issues, as well as the rehabilitation of refugees and families of deceased soldiers.