Tiraspol, 13 January. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. During his meeting with the minister of agriculture and natural resources, the prime minister expressed hope that despite the current difficult economic circumstances the work will be continued in close cooperation with all public authorities, new approaches and solutions aimed first of all at supporting agricultural workers will be pursued.
«Our principal goal for this year is to provide appropriate conditions for supporting Pridnestrovian manufacturers, including agrarians. It is imperative that we should review and then minimise all expenditures related to the maintenance of the ministry's administration," noted Pavel Prokudin.
Andrey Kirsta, in turn, reported on the work which is currently under way following an assignment given at the end of last year to optimise the ministry's institutions. The programme of the Ecological Fund is also subject to revision, the government's press service reports.
The minister briefed the premier on the current situation in agriculture. So, the New Year's changes of weather and frosts had not affected winter crops.
As follow-up to the crop production topic, Pavel Prokudin asked the minister about the importation of fertilisers. According to Andrey Kirsta, the import of all plant nutrition and protection preparations is under control of the dedicated ministerial agency.
«The ministry also keeps under tight control the importation of animal products. Because of the outbreak of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in Moldova and Ukraine, the importation of meat and products used for breeding swine form these countries is prohibited," added the minister.
The practice of exchanging experience between local agricultural organisations, including with the involvement of foreign experts, was also discussed at the meeting. As was noted by Andrey Kirsta, this practice has already stricken root in the country and bares fruit. Thus, there are quarterly republican and district seminars attended by specialists from Russia, Moldova and Ukraine.
One of the problems mentioned by the minister is the shortage of specialist workers, in particular tractor drivers. In this respect Pavel Prokudin charged the agricultural and education ministries to work out measures aimed at arousing young people's interest in this profession.
Special attention was given to the problem of fighting against richweed as well as the protection of fruit plants both at large agricultural enterprises and in the private sector.
During the meeting, the chairman of government asked the minister to consider more carefully citizens' requests and take them into account when working out measures aimed at supporting socially vulnerable categories of rural residents.
