The Anti-hail Service commits itself to cover at least 1.4 mln ha of agricultural land as of the spring of 2008, by 0.4 mln ha more than in the previous year. In this respect, 23 more anti-hail rocket launching points and the Edinet anti-hail unit have been prepared, head of the Anti-hail Service, Ion Garaba, told a Government meeting, Info-Prim Neo reports. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Anatolie Gorodenco said that over the last five years the covered area of agricultural lands has increased considerably. While in 2000 the system did not function at all, by 2006 anti-hail protection was provided for 700,000 ha of agricultural land and in 2007 for 1 mln ha, which helped prevent huge crop losses. Gorodenco pointed out that last year the danger of hail rains was increased, and that about 3,200 anti-hail rockets were launched to prevent them, twice more than in 2006. The efficient running of the system saved at least 50% of the last year’s harvest. As instructed by the Premier, the Ministry of Agriculture is to come up with an action plan to increase the covered area. By the end of 2008, the anti-hail service is going to cover up to 2 mln ha.