PM on government's major goal in agriculture

The major goal for the Russian government in the agricultural industry is to create predictable conditions for agricultural producers, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov stated at the opening of today's government meeting devoted to spring farming activities. According to him, among other things, this concerns the creation of conditions for leasing equipment and receiving credits. In the opinion of the Prime Minister, the seasonal nature of agricultural production requires help of the state for covering risks in this sector. Kasyanov also pointed to the fact that this year would be "rather complicated" for agricultural producers due to 2002 natural calamities and a "hard" winter. In connection with this, Kasyanov noted that the spring sowing should be increased by 15 percent this year.