Slovakia

Slovakia Approves Extra Money to Cover Drought Damages
Associated Press, June 21, 2000

The Slovak government on Wednesday decided to give 5.9 billion crowns (dlrs 253 million) to the agriculture sector, which has been hurt by severely dry weather, the prime minister told reporters. The agricultural sector which has been slow in recovering from the collapse of communism 10 years ago is now facing a "terrible" drought which will decrease production by up to 60 percent, officials said. The agricultural ministry estimates damages after more than two months without significant rain and poor irrigation at 11.4 billion crowns (dlrs 265 million). Slovakia expects to import wheat this year to satisfy its domestic demands.