Jeonnam Province Requests 1.6 Billion Won from Government for Second Growth Damage Recovery of Garlic

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province (Governor Kim Young-rok) announced on the 4th that it has requested 1.6 billion KRW in government support for damage restoration costs for farms affected by the so-called second growth garlic, known as "beolmaneul," caused by high temperatures during the garlic growing period.

This measure comes in response to the warm winter temperatures and soil moisture conditions that created an environment favorable for garlic growth, leading to repeated damage from the second growth garlic, or beolmaneul.

Accordingly, following repeated requests to recognize this as an agricultural disaster, the province was officially acknowledged as such by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs last month.

The area damaged by the second growth garlic (beolmaneul), mainly of the Namdo variety, in southern regions such as Goheung and Haenam, was finally tallied at 644 hectares after a detailed investigation.

Damage per plot showed that garlic cloves were divided into 3 to 4 parts or new sprouts emerged, significantly reducing marketability. By city and county, Goheung County had the largest affected area at 307 hectares, followed by Haenam with 145 hectares, Muan with 101 hectares, and Sinan with 18 hectares.

This damage survey was conducted over 12 days starting from the 22nd of last month based on damage reports from affected farms. The restoration costs, including pesticide expenses, were totaled at 1.6 billion KRW, and support was requested from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Gwak Hong-seop, Director of the Food and Horticulture Division of Jeonnam Province, said, "With the second growth garlic damage now recognized as an agricultural disaster, the worries of the farmers have been somewhat alleviated. Once the restoration support plan is finalized, we will promptly provide restoration funds to the affected farms and do our best to stabilize garlic supply."

Meanwhile, Jeonnam Province also established a restoration plan for damage to fruit trees and other crops caused by abnormal low temperatures in early April and recently requested 18 billion KRW in restoration funds from the government.