21 Jul 2009 18:01

Drought destroys 100,000 hectares of crops in Russia over week

MOSCOW. July 21 (Interfax) - Drought destroyed 100,000 hectares of spring crops over the last week, bringing the total area destroyed to 3.3 million hectares this year, the Agriculture Ministry's press service said.

Ministry officials met on Tuesday to discuss measures to provide aid to the seven constituent regions that have been most affected by the drought. The Reserve Fund could be used to compensate farmers for their lost crops. In addition, long-term loans could be extended and leasing payments could be deferred.