13 May 2004 02:21
Russia might harvest 73-76 mln tonnes of grain in 2004
MOSCOW. May 12 (Interfax) - Forecasts made in April and May show that Russia might harvest from 73 million to 76
million tonnes of grain this year, acting Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev said at a meeting with President Vladimir
Putin on Wednesday.
"This will fully ensure a balance between demand, the accumulation of stocks, and exports," Gordeyev
said.
Russia increased areas under spring and winter crops by 2 million hectares each this season, he said.
"Grain will be harvested from 3.5-4 million hectares more this year than last year," the minister said.
Gordeyev said that following presidential instructions, grain intervention was carried out on Russia's market in
January and February. In particular, a certain amount of grain was supplied to the market from the state reserve and
grain exports were limited.
These measures helped stabilize grain prices by February, following which the prices for flour have been going down
1.5% each week, Gordeyev said.
"This means that the state's regulating role has played a positive role, and we need to employ such
mechanisms beforehand. We need guaranteed prices and the state should be present on the grain market when it is
necessary," he said.
"In case there is oversupply, the state should act as a buyer, and in case of a shortage, as a seller," he
said.
[Interfax] |
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