"Starting Next Year, Both Surface and Groundwater Will Be Used Simultaneously in Field Farming"

Rural Development Administration Begins Development of 'Smart Reservoir System'

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Starting next year, it is expected that both surface water and groundwater can be used simultaneously for field farming.

Korea Rural Community Corporation announced on the 5th that it has begun developing a 'Smart Reservoir System' for field farming. Once development is complete, it will be possible to draw both surface water and groundwater simultaneously for use in field farming.

Evaluation procedure diagram for field irrigation vulnerability and resilience developed by Korea Rural Community Corporation. (Source: Korea Rural Community Corporation)

Since May last year until June this year, the corporation conducted research to develop regional vulnerability assessment criteria applicable to irrigation water for fields. To assess the soundness of agricultural water, it comprehensively considers quantity, quality, and watershed environment. Field irrigation vulnerability is determined by taking into account climate change, land cover changes, and demand fluctuations. Additionally, social factors such as fiscal independence are reflected in the scoring to properly measure 'recovery potential.'

The corporation plans to develop a reservoir water supply system using information and communication technology (ICT) by next year. The goal is to efficiently manage both water quality and quantity while using surface water and groundwater for farming. The Rural Development Administration, Korea Institute of Planning and Evaluation for Technology in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Seoul National University are participating in the research. By December next year, they plan to complete identifying vulnerable areas in rural water supply zones nationwide, present results on water recovery capacity review, and determine the reservoir water supply range and appropriate capacity.

Kim Insik, president of the corporation, said, "It is urgent to secure new competitiveness in the agricultural sector to adapt to rapidly changing environments," adding, "We will continue efforts to implement smart agriculture by integrating agriculture with various cutting-edge technologies, conducting research, and enhancing field applicability."