Only half of fields in Gagauzia have been ploughed and sowed

Only half of the agricultural land in the autonomous territorial unit Gagauzia has been ploughed and sowed to date owing to this year’s severe drought, Governor of Gagauz-Yeri Mihail Formuzal told a news conference. According to Formuzal, the drought has hit the region more seriously than the rest of Moldova’s territory, with Vulcanesti district being the worst stricken in the region. The drought affected the revenues to Gagauzia’s budget for this year. The Governor says that the budget in the first quarter 2007 was 135% fulfilled, in the second quarter –105%, and in nine months –95%. Overall, the budget for 2007 could be 90% executed. Currently, the region is confronted by a lack of seeds and diesel oil. Formuzal says that all the internal reserves have been depleted, but they managed to sow with winter wheat less than a half of the 43,000 hectares planned. Therefore, they had to seek help from President Vladimir Voronin, who promised, but did not offer the necessary aid yet. Mihail Formuzal said he asked the state authorities to help repay the 20 mln lei credit taken out by the previous administration of the region. The 5.5 mln lei allocated this year from the local budget went to pay the interest only. The drought caused damage to Gagauz-Yeri estimated at 700 mln lei.