Moldova must take certain steps to obtain US$10 million in financial assistance from the World Bank for removing the consequences of the 2012 drought. The authorities are also to make effort to get a grant of about US$14 million from the Government of Japan for implementing a project to install biomass boilers in the kindergartens and schools of 26 settlements, acting Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Vasile Bumacov said in a meeting with interim Premier Iurie Leanca, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué from the executive, Vasile Bumacov informed the interim Premier that the draft strategy for developing the agriculture and food industry sector is planned to be launched on May 17. It will be proposed for public debates so that a complex document could be formulated afterward, based on which Moldova’s agrifood sector will be developed in 2014 - 2020.

Iurie Leanca said that agriculture is a key sector for Moldova as it plays a special role in the country’s European integration process. This area requires solid preparation and continuous professional improvement so as to cope with the challenges and demands for meeting the European standards. The official instructed ensuring the necessary training of farmers by organizing different training courses and seminars.

The two officials discussed the influence of the weather conditions on the state of crops and the measures needed to ensure the country’s food security.