AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND SUBSTRUCTURES IN ARMENIA

The Armenian land privatization program is unique among former Soviet Republics in regard to the speed and completeness of its implementation. Armenia is the smallest of the Republics, with a population of 3.7 million, and was left highly dependent on outside sources for energy and raw materials for industries, and grain for its people and livestock. Privatization, began in 1991, was largely completed by 1993. The greatly increased number of individual owners created a need for major restructuring of the industries supplying agriculture and marketing its outputs. Problems in the substructures from technical supplies to storage and marketing are described. Recommendations are for the adoption of policies in the substructural spheres of agriculture that will contribute to the future development of agriculture in Armenia. These policies include improved contractual relations, cooperatives, niche marketing, and restructuring of various service corporations.