GOVT ANNOUNCES NEW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION STIMULANTS SYSTEM

( Editorial: --> 2765 ) ZAGREB, Sept 24 (Hina) - The Croatian government on Thursday announced a new system of agricultural production stimulants. The new system envisages payment per production unit (hectare), single assistance for growing long-standing plantations in fruit- growing and wine-growing, and payment per head in cattle breeding. The discussion on the new system was based on comprehensive material prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Measures the government undertook to assist agriculture were pointed out during discussion on the situation in agriculture. It was emphasised that in the last two production years DEM694 million had been invested in agriculture and fishery. The government forwarded into parliamentary procedure a proposal for the ratification of an agreement on a DEM111 million loan for a reconstruction project in eastern Slavonia, Baranja and western Srijem. The agreement was signed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Croatia. (hina) ha jn 241635 MET sep 98