MOSCOW, July 29 (RIA Novosti) - According to preliminary forecasts, grain crops will total 76-78 million tons in 2005, equaling last year's level, said the Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei.
Gordeyev said that the forecast level would be reached following harvests in Siberia and the Volga region, where crop production fluctuates depending on weather conditions.
He also said Russia would purchase grain abroad in late August to protect the interests of agricultural producers and to keep market prices at an appropriate level.
In 2004, grain crop harvests in Russia totaled 78 million tons. The Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry forecasts a 4% decrease in crop harvests (75 million tons).
Gordeyev had said earlier that this year that grain crop harvests were expected to total 66-70 million tons.
