Minister of Agriculture Visits Apple Farms... "Full Disaster Response Until Harvest Season"

"Apple Growth Healthy... Smooth Supply Expected for Chuseok"

Song Miryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visited apple farms and reservoirs in Dangjin, Chungnam on the 16th to inspect disaster prevention measures in preparation for typhoons.

Song Mi-ryeong, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, visiting a pear farming site in Naju-si, Jeollanam-do last month [Image source=Yonhap News]

On that day, Minister Song examined apple support facilities, windbreak nets, and shading facilities at the orchard farms. At the reservoir, she checked the operational status of facilities and preventive measures necessary to minimize human and property damage through the establishment of a rapid disaster response system.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs recently completed emergency inspections of vulnerable facilities such as apple support structures, windbreak nets, reservoirs, drainage stations, and drainage channels in preparation for typhoons and heavy rains following the monsoon season. Measures have been taken to urgently maintain drainage channels around orchards, comply with restricted water levels, and remove trees, debris, and aquatic plants.

Minister Song stated, "This year, the growth condition of apples is favorable, and the proportion of premium fruit production is expected to be high. In particular, the production of Hongro apples is sufficient due to good crop conditions, so supply during the Chuseok holiday is expected to be smooth." She added, "Going forward, until the harvest season, the Rural Development Administration, the Nonghyup, and local governments will work together to fully respond by conducting pre-inspections of disaster prevention facilities, timely application of pesticides, and maintenance of drainage channels to prepare for typhoons, heatwaves, and anthracnose."

She also urged, "Although they are not approaching Korea directly, recent typhoons such as Typhoon Maria (No. 5), Typhoon Sonthin (No. 6), and Typhoon Ampil (No. 7) are actively occurring. In preparation for typhoons, please strengthen pre-release of reservoirs and pre-inspection of drainage facilities, and take proactive measures such as evacuating residents promptly if dangerous situations arise."