March 5 2003, 10:05

Russian President told government to consider extra measures for farm support

At the meeting with members of government in Kremlin, March 4, the President of Russia Vladimir Putin noted the need to provide normal conditions for operation of the farm sector and to prevent decrease of production in comparison with previous years. He said 1.3 billion roubles had been allocated for spring fieldwork (32 roubles = $1), with funding due to start in this month and to be completed in due terms.

The President said he had discussed the situation in agriculture with the Prime Minister. Many farming enterprises are in quite difficult financial state, he said.

He noted that the ministry of agriculture, together with the ministry of finance, were "to provide the most effective measures to react upon the situation".