Government prepares for harvest
It may still be summer, but in Mongolia preparations for winter are well underway. Herders are making hay, and farmers are preparing to harvest wheat. Our correspondent spoke about the preparations with the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, T.Badamjunai.
- How much hay and forage are you hoping will be prepared for the winter?
- In recent years we have experienced very cold winters. When the winters are colder, herders need more hay and forage. We have planned to prepare 1.2 million tons of hay and 48,000 tons of green forage for next winter. We have increased the amount of hay by more than 100 tons over last year. In every aimag and soum preparation work is completed. So we think there will be enough.
- Will the Government buy wheat or give farmers bonuses?
- Good wheat depends on good seeds. So we will focus on seed quality. Last year we bought high-quality seeds from domestic companies, and we will do that again this year. Farmers will be granted bonuses for good quality wheat. The bonuses will be the same as last year’s.
- What about the Government’s bond issues?
- The amount of the bailout planned for the countryside has been increased from MNT 50 million to MNT 100 million. The Government also grants up to MNT 10 billion in credit in order to support domestic production. A supporting commission of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry recently discussed 290 projects to support small businesses. About 80 percent of those projects have been approved. So far, the Government has released 25 percent of the bonds. Commercial banks have already announced their interest in taking part in bond deal. The Government plans to make real progress happen this year.
- How much hay and forage are you hoping will be prepared for the winter?
- In recent years we have experienced very cold winters. When the winters are colder, herders need more hay and forage. We have planned to prepare 1.2 million tons of hay and 48,000 tons of green forage for next winter. We have increased the amount of hay by more than 100 tons over last year. In every aimag and soum preparation work is completed. So we think there will be enough.
- Will the Government buy wheat or give farmers bonuses?
- Good wheat depends on good seeds. So we will focus on seed quality. Last year we bought high-quality seeds from domestic companies, and we will do that again this year. Farmers will be granted bonuses for good quality wheat. The bonuses will be the same as last year’s.
- What about the Government’s bond issues?
- The amount of the bailout planned for the countryside has been increased from MNT 50 million to MNT 100 million. The Government also grants up to MNT 10 billion in credit in order to support domestic production. A supporting commission of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry recently discussed 290 projects to support small businesses. About 80 percent of those projects have been approved. So far, the Government has released 25 percent of the bonds. Commercial banks have already announced their interest in taking part in bond deal. The Government plans to make real progress happen this year.
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