Putin slashes Russia's grain harvest forecasts
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Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin declared Monday the grain harvest in Russia may drop to 60-65 million tons in 2010, which is the lowest number ever.
"So we cannot relay on quick lift of the ban on grain export," said Putin, adding that the decision on the issue will be taken later this year, Interfax news agency reported.
In 2009 some 97 million tons of grain were cropped in comparison to this year when majority of harvest was lost due to the heat and drought.
Putin said Russia needs 77-78 million tons of grain per year, but even if the harvest forecast is the lowest, the country's domestic demand can still be met.
Russian Agriculture Ministry has lowered grain forecast for several times this year, with the latest time setting the number at 72 million tons.
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