Kazakhstan can receive more than 10 million tonns of grain in 1999

/IRBIS, Sep.16, 99/ - According to REUTERS, which cites prime minister of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan can receive in 1999 no less than 10 millions tonns of grain. The forecast can be better - everything depends on weather in the northern areas of the country. Nurlan Balgimbaev said, that more than 8,700 combines are ready to harvesting and already work. Last year Kazakhstan, because of a severe drought has gather very poor harvest - about seven million tons. The representatives of ministry of an agriculture also speak that the crop can be higher, than 10 millions tons. Askar Myrsakhmetov, deputy minister of agriculture has told, that something in limits of 12-14 millions tonns could be a real figure, in the case of good weather conditions. Grain is one of the main Kazakhstan's export items. In soviet time up to 30 million tonns were harvested in this area. There was a recession there during last ten years. Many farmers do not have enough means for purchasing of a seed grain, fuel, spare parts and machine. Valentin Dvurechensky, chief of "Zarechnoe" farm said, that this year, we as never before, supplied by fuel and machines. State food corporation is authorized to purchase the farmer's grain at the price of $70 tenge equivalent per tonne, plans to purchase about 100,000 tonns of seed grain. Kazakhstan exports wheat and barley on the traditional markets of its neighbors - Uzbekistan, Russia, Iran. Export of grain in 1999 can make two - three million tonns.