GOVT PREPARES FINANCIAL INCENTIVES FOR BOOSTING AGRICULTURE

( Editorial: --> 4537 ) ZAGREB, Feb 25 (Hina) - By the year 2001, Croatia plans to secure the production of food which would meet its needs, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Zlatko Dominikovic said at a press conference in Zagreb on Wednesday. From 1994 to 1997 almost all agricultural sectors increased production, Dominikovic said, adding that the production of milk registered the highest increase thanks to the bonus system. The purchase of milk in 1997 was 21 per cent higher than in 1996, he said. The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry would soon propose the introduction of new financial incentives, for example for the agreed fattening of calves and pigs, the growing of seedlings and the breeding of cattle, sheep and goats in the areas of special state concern and in mountainous regions and islands. Dominikovic announced the establishment of a state institute for the growing of seedlings and seeds in Osijek. (hina) mm rm 251837 MET feb 98