Direct Payments Even for Unauthorized Cultivation on National and Public Land
[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Unauthorized cultivation on state-owned agricultural production infrastructure land has reached 1,318 cases over the past five years. It was found that some direct payments were even made on unauthorized cultivated state and public land.
According to the status of unauthorized cultivation on state-owned land submitted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to Eo Gigu, a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, from 2016 to 2020, there were 1,318 cases of unauthorized cultivation on state-owned agricultural production infrastructure land, covering an area of 534,930㎡.
By region, unauthorized cultivation on state-owned land occurred most frequently in Jeollabuk-do with 395 cases and 126,040㎡. Next were Gyeonggi-do with 242 cases and 75,604㎡, followed by Chungnam with 131 cases and 70,308㎡.
It was confirmed that direct payments were made for such unauthorized cultivation on state-owned land. Among the state and public land, 44 cases received approximately 15 million KRW in direct payments. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated that "additional investigations into violations such as fraudulent claims are being conducted through local governments."
Assemblyman Eo Gigu pointed out, "Indiscriminate unauthorized cultivation on state and public land continues to occur," and added, "Since direct payments have been made for such unauthorized cultivation, a prompt comprehensive investigation and corrective measures are necessary."
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