The Estonian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday it had decided to scrap the practice of supplying soldiers over 190 cms in height with additional food.

The ministry explained in its statement that the reduction would help the army to save some 30,000 euros (about $43,200) annually. It also said that expert analysis had proven that the usual supplies were sufficient for soldiers of all heights.

Estonia was badly hit by the global economic crisis this year, even forcing the Baltic state to sell the residence of its ambassador in London due to budget cuts.

The former Soviet republic is providing up to 170 troops in support of units of the British 19th Infantry Brigade in the Helmand Province of southern Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Six Estonian troops have died and 30 have been injured in Afghanistan since the start of NATO operations in the country in 2001.

TALLINN, December 29 (RIA Novosti)