Russia is experiencing the worst drought in 38 years, the presidential advisor on climate said Monday.

"The country has not seen such an overwhelming drought since 1972," Alexander Bedritsky said.

Some 14 Russian regions have been hit by an extended heat wave and crops in nine million hectares of the 48 million hectares of sown land (19%) have died. Agricultural producers say they will be unable to pay off loans due to the losses.

Bedritsky dismissed claims that the drought is due to global warming.

"The measurement period for climate trends is 30 years. We cannot say yet whether such a drought will happen again and, if it does, whether it will be in a year, five years or any other period of time," he said.

"Expansive and long-term climatic observations are needed to understand the situation," the advisor said.

MOSCOW, July 12 (RIA Novosti)