YEREVAN, Armenia — The Armenian government will relaunch its agricultural insurance scheme on 15 February 2026, according to Gevorg Papoyan, Armenia’s Minister of Economy. The move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the resilience of the country’s agricultural sector to increasingly volatile weather patterns and other natural hazards.
Addressing viewers during a live broadcast on his official Facebook page, Mr Papoyan outlined the crops to be covered in the upcoming insurance season and detailed the state’s plan to continue subsidising premiums for participating farmers.
“The crops that will be insured for the 2026 agricultural season include apricots, grapes, apples, peaches, plums, melons, watermelons, potatoes, cherries, sweet cherries, wheat, barley and oats,” the minister said.
Coverage and Support
The scheme is designed to underwrite losses from natural risks that frequently afflict farmers in the region — particularly hail, spring frosts and drought. These hazards have been identified as among the most damaging climatic events for farmers, often leading to significant crop losses.
Under the state-supported framework, the government will contribute a substantial portion of the insurance premiums, varying by crop:
| Crop Category | Government Subsidy (Percentage of Premium) |
|---|---|
| Apricots, wheat, barley, oats | 40 % |
| Grapes, apples, peaches, plums | 60 % |
| Melons, watermelons, potatoes | 60 % |
| Cherries, sweet cherries | 60 % |
Subsidy rates are determined according to crop and are aimed at making insurance more affordable for producers.
The scheme builds on earlier pilot efforts to introduce agricultural insurance in Armenia and follows similar state-backed programmes implemented in recent years, which have been supported in part by international partners. Support for premiums — historically provided at levels between 50 % and 60 % with co‑financing from the German development bank KfW — has helped stimulate participation in the nascent insurance market.
Why This Matters
Agriculture remains a vital component of Armenia’s economy and rural livelihoods. By subsidising the cost of insurance, the government aims to encourage wider adoption of risk management tools among farmers who have traditionally borne the full brunt of climate‑related crop failures. Previous iterations of the insurance programme have progressively expanded both the number of crops covered and the range of perils protected against, reflecting an evolving understanding of sectoral needs.
Mr Papoyan’s announcement underscores the administration’s commitment to stabilising agricultural incomes and enhancing food security in the face of unpredictable weather — a priority that resonates with policymakers and farming communities alike.
This updated programme is anticipated to prompt increased enrolment as the 2026 planting season gets under way next month.