Fires destroyed 106,200 ha of forest land and 67,100 ha of other land. The situation is particularly critical in the Far East, especially in Yakutia, where firefighters are left helpless without federal financing. Russian Agriculture Ministry expects a further decline in the number of animals and animal products. Sales of cattle and poultry declined by 525,000 tons or 23 percent between January and May 1995. Milk production was down 1.446 million tons or 15 percent, and egg production declined 1.536 billion units or 13 percent.
Statistics show Russian farmers have smaller, less productive herds.
Milk yields, in the same five month period, fell 4 percent or to 34 kilos per cow, and egg yields were down 2 percent. Experts believe animal numbers will continue to decline, even on private farms. However, the rising cost of fertilizer, fuels, and other inputs is expected to drive the price up to closer to 18 million karbovanets. The Ukrainian parliament must first ratify the agreement before any insurance is made available.