SOVIET UNION THREATENED WITH MBAT SHORTAGE
The official 1963 economic report of the Central Statistical Board of the USSR'ts Council of Minister, published January 23, admits heavy losses in agriculture, although the general picture remains good.
Grain production figures were not given but state purchages - were 44, 8 million tons, much less than in 1961 and 1962.
Heavy slaughter of livestock occurred because of feed shortages due to last year's severe winter. Cattlc decreased from 86,9 million to 85.5 million. Pigs declined from 69,9 million to 40.7 million. The estimated loss was 29 million hogs during 1963, This is one-third of the total 1962 figure. :
World Outlook drew attention to the danger when grain shortages wore admitte see World Outlook October 18], This forecast has now been confirmed by the statistics. The sharp decrease in hogs will inevitably lead to a shortage of pork in the spring and summer.
= Gon.
THE NEGRO THRUST