1.
GV TOBACCO CROP AFFECTED BY DROUGHT
0.06

2.
CU TILT DOWN TOBACCO PLANT
0.16

3.
GV MAN'S CROP AFFECTED BY DROUGHT
0.22

4.
LV & SV FARMER INSPECTS CROP (3 SHOTS)
0.35

5.
TRACKING RUINED CROP
0.41

6.
CU FARMER INSPECTS DRY SOIL
0.54



Initials JP/VS/BOB/SS



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Background: RHODESIA IS SUFFERING FROM A THREE-MONTH LONG DROUGHT AND MANY OF THE COUNTRY'S AGRICULTURAL CROPS ARE IN DANGER OF BEING WIPED OUT. TOBACCO, MAIZE AND WHEAT CROPS IN SOME AREAS HAVE BEEN VIRTUALLY BURNED OFF BY THE HEAT. ONE TYPICAL TOBACCO PLANTATION IS THE CHURCHILL ESTATES IN THE MARANDELAS AREA, 40 MILES NORTH OF SALISBURY, WHERE THE CROPS HAVE PERISHED.

THE MOST BADLY AFFECTED AREAS ARE TO THE NORTH AND EAST SALISBURY. SOME FARMERS THERE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO REPLANT THREE AND FOUR TIMES. THE SITUATION HAS BECOME SO SERIOUS THAT THE RHODESIAN LEADER, MR IAN SMITH, LED THE COUNTRY IN A NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR RAIN LAST SUNDAY (JANUARY 14).