August 9 2002, 11:06

Moldova: farm production increased about 5%

Over the first half-year 2002 increase of agricultural products output was about 5 percent compared with the same period last year, First Deputy Agricultural Minister of Moldova Valeriu Mironesku has told the meeting of the Ministry's officials. He also informed that farm produce trade had increased 5 percent, reaching $264.4 million and being 33 percent of the total national trade turnover. Grains export rose eight times, that of vegetables and potatoes - seven times.

At the same time, rotation of crops has not been properly maintained. Out of the total 1.574 million hectares planted under crops this year, 68 percent are grain and vegetable crops. In turn, 41 percent of these has been grown on the areas used for winter wheat farming. Feed crops have also been at critical point, being assigned just 59,400 hectares or 4 percent of the total sown areas.

Epizootic situation also remains on edge. Due to insufficient funding, animal disease treatment and prophylactics measures have not been taken in full.

Total exports of farm products decreased by $2.4 million compared to the same period last year.