Armenian fish farmers protest in Yerevan demanding urgent state aid

Fish farmers in Armenia have staged a protest outside the government headquarters in Yerevan to demand urgent financial support following severe export restrictions.

Demonstrators from the Armavir and Ararat regions gathered on Tuesday to demand a direct meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.

Protesters said credit obligations and an inability to access European markets have left several aquaculture businesses facing imminent closure.

"We have managed to keep production going using our own personal funds for more than two months," said Rafael Poghosyan, head of the Vanka Retail fish farm.

Poghosyan said that while safety inspections found no quality issues with Armenian fish products, no financial assistance projects have been allocated to the sector despite discussions with Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan.

Government officials offered to accept a written petition from the crowd, but the group refused, insisting on face-to-face talks with Grigoryan.

The protest follows widespread trade disruptions in the region. Russia banned imports of several agricultural products from Armenia, including fruit, vegetables, and fish, ahead of parliamentary elections on 7 June.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Armenian service, Azatutyun, reported that fish producers are currently working with national food safety authorities in an effort to resolve ongoing export barriers.