The Kyiv-Zhytomyr highway (like all our other main arteries) seems to have
become virtually the sole support of nearby villagers. Chronic wage and
pension arrears lasting years on end and unemployment are forcing people
to stand on the roadsides in spite of the frost and, warming their hands
over a nearby fire, to sell their simple wares. One such typical "domestic
producer" is shown in the photo. Yesterday, our reporters bought mushrooms
paste from this resident of Radomyshl district, Zhytomyr oblast. The salesman
was scared to give out his name ("No boys, the mushrooms are not toadstools!).
He was selling various mushrooms, marinade and pastes. Beside him women
were selling brooms, dried mushrooms, and bags, but with less success.
The villager explained, "The forest and kitchen garden feed us in summer
and our wits do in winter," and all year there is a "hidden reserve."
Forests Are Not Taxed
15 December, 1998 - 00:00
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