Russia offers grain from reserves as aid to poor countries
Russia could use its grain intervention fund to provide humanitarian aid to countries facing starvation amid the global economic crisis, First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said on Sunday.
Russia`s grain intervention fund, which is used to keep grain prices stable on the domestic market, currently holds 9.6 million metric tons.
"We have something to offer. It is possible to use a part of the intervention fund for this program... I think this could be done in the near future," Zubkov said at the World Grain Forum in St. Petersburg.
The first World Grain Forum opened in Russia`s second city on Saturday, with participants focusing on grain prices, food security and technology.
Zubkov said he had discussed grain aid at a meeting with representatives of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization.
Russia had a record high grain harvest of 108 million tons in 2008, and is expected to harvest 80-90 million tons this year.
Russian Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik told the forum on Sunday that Russia intends to increase its grain exports from 20 million metric tons in 2009 to 40-50 million metric tons in the next 10-15 years.
"In the coming 10-15 years, we are planning to increase Russian grain exports to 40-50 million tons to boost our share on the global grain market to 20%," Skrynnik said.
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