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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Spring crops seriously damaged by drought

Novi Sad, 27 July 2007

Serbian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Slobodan Milosavljevic said today that the consequences of drought and forest fires in Serbia are catastrophic and it is being considered whether a severe weather condition should be declared.

Milosavljevic told a press conference that the Ministry is monitoring the situation on the ground daily and is preparing to take measures, adding that at the moment it cannot be specified which measures will be taken nor can the degree of damage caused by drought be ascertained.

He explained that declaring severe weather has significant financial consequences and the decision regarding that must be brought by the Serbian government after a complete analysis of the situation.

According to Milosavljevic, the drought has seriously damaged most spring crops, and the corn harvest will be worst affected.

The Minister warned that due to drought and long periods of heat, this year Soya harvest will be 20% to 30% less than expected.

Problems from pervious years, above all an inadequate irrigation system, are also contributing factors in the current situation. He recalled that yesterday a loan agreement for reform of agricultural and irrigation projects was signed with the World Bank.

According to Milosavljevic, the budget for the upcoming year should envisage significantly larger sums for irrigation.

Regarding the forest fires in Serbia, the Minister said that the government brought a decision yesterday on forming a central headquarters for fight against fire, through which the Ministry of Interior will coordinate actions, and securing equipment for fire fighting is under consideration.

Bearing in mind that floods, drought, fire or other natural disasters and accidents often hit Serbia, it is being considered that an agency, administration or even a ministry should be formed for emergencies, said the Minister.

Milosavljevic said that the new draft national strategy for agricultural development will be completed and put up for public debate by September.

The document should reach parliament by the end of the year, and it will envisage that harvests should be doubled on existing arable lands since the required conditions for accomplishing that exist, said the Agriculture Minister.