Ministry of Agriculture to Provide 2.1 Billion Won in Emergency Additional Aid for Severe Drought in Southern Regions

▲ A reservoir with a exposed riverbed and dead trees

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced today (August 1) that it will inject 2.1 billion won in emergency additional support funds into southern regions experiencing severe drought.

The ministry explained that following its support of 8 billion won (including 10 billion won with local government funds) back in March ahead of the full-scale farming season to expand agricultural water supply facilities in drought-prone areas, it is now deploying additional emergency funds centered around the Gyeongsang and Jeolla regions, where the drought situation is critical.

The additional support funds are planned to be used for measures that can secure agricultural water in a short period, such as excavating rivers, installing pumping facilities, and mobilizing water supply trucks.

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Miryong visited Chodong Reservoir in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, and nearby farmlands today to inspect the implementation status of measures to prevent drought damage and listened to the difficulties faced by farmers.

According to the ministry, precipitation in the Gyeongsangnam-do region over the past two months (June 1 to July 31) stood at 162 mm, which is only 33 percent of the average normal level (487 mm).

The reservoir storage rate in the Miryang area also recorded 32.6 percent, one of the lowest levels nationwide, causing ongoing difficulties in supplying water for farming.

Minister Song inspected the progress of the "pump-storage" measure, which draws water from the Nakdong River to supply Chodong Reservoir, and reviewed response plans in preparation for a prolonged drought.

She then encouraged the hard work of local governments and the Korea Rural Community Corporation, urging them to mobilize all available means to minimize crop damage.

Visiting nearby farmlands, Minister Song emphasized, "We will concentrate available financial resources and administrative power so that farmers can farm with peace of mind."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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