Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Russia Bans Wheat Exports as Drought Worsens, Wildfires Rage VOA News 05 August 2010 Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a Cabinet meeting in Moscow at which he banned grain exports for the rest of the year after a severe drought destroyed 20 percent of its wheat crop, 5 Aug 2010 Photo: AP Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a Cabinet meeting in Moscow at which he banned grain exports for the rest of the year after a severe drought destroyed 20 percent of country's wheat crop, 5 Aug 2010 Russia - one of the world's largest wheat exporters - has imposed a ban on grain exports due to an extended drought, wildfires and record-high temperatures ravaging much of the country. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ordered the ban Thursday, as part of a push to control domestic prices for wheat products and livestock feed. The ban begins August 15 and is scheduled to end in December. Russia slashed its grain harvest forecast last week by 20 percent, as drought and high temperatures spawned hundreds of wildfires that destroyed entire villages and at least one key military base near Moscow.  Fifty people have been found dead in the smoldering ruins of rural homes in western and central Russia. Temperatures in Moscow have hovered near 40 C for more than a week, as parched residents battle choking smog and smoke from peat fires burning just outside the city. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters. .