Despite Decreased Tax Revenue, Budget Increased to 109.5 Billion KRW
Achievements Include Establishment of Advanced Smart Livestock Complex
Focusing on Developing "Todamtodam" Tomatoes as a Future Food Source
Lee Byungno, Damyang County Governor, signed a business agreement to establish an agricultural product export platform with a company from the United Arab Emirates in February of last year. Provided by Damyang County
Damyang County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Byungno) is revitalizing rural areas through advanced agriculture, fulfilling its promise to citizens in the 8th popularly elected administration to realize a "prosperous and wealthy rural community."
Despite challenging conditions such as reduced tax revenue, the county allocated 109.5 billion KRW to the agricultural sector, an increase of 2.2 billion KRW compared to last year. The budget includes 17 billion KRW for the basic public direct payment program, 4.9 billion KRW for the Jeonnam-type public benefit allowance for farmers and fishers, 5.7 billion KRW for joint livestock manure resource management, 2.8 billion KRW for organic fertilizer, 3.3 billion KRW for crop disaster insurance premiums, and 2.5 billion KRW for the rice farming management stabilization program.
In particular, the county is laying the foundation for advanced agriculture, starting with the Smart Livestock Complex project. After thorough preparation, proactive response to collective civil complaints, and ongoing organic cooperation with Jeollanam-do Province since June last year, the county was selected for the Smart Livestock Complex project competition.
Accordingly, by 2027, the county plans to invest 4.8 billion KRW in establishing livestock facility infrastructure, education, and control centers, and 9.7 billion KRW in introducing advanced livestock facilities and cutting-edge information and communication technology (ICT) equipment to build a smart livestock complex. ICT convergence facilities will also be introduced to existing livestock farms to optimize the breeding environment and implement thorough management to reduce odors, creating an environmentally friendly livestock complex.
Additionally, the "Agricultural Academy," which trains young farmers to lead the future of agriculture, offers various educational programs to systematically acquire agricultural technology and practical management know-how.
Premium agricultural products such as Damyang strawberries, represented by Jukhyang and Merry Queen varieties, and Daesup Malgeun Rice are also attracting global attention.
Damyang strawberries are currently exported to the United States, Mongolia, and Vietnam, and the county signed its first overseas royalty agreement worth 100 million KRW with Indonesia's TSE Group. Through a partnership with the UAE's Black Tulip Group to establish an agricultural export platform, Damyang has also secured a foothold for entry into the Middle Eastern market.
Governor Lee Byungno stated, "Moving forward, we will build public strawberry nurseries by region for Jukhyang, Merry Queen, and other Damyang strawberries to establish a foundation for high-quality strawberry production. We will also implement demonstration projects to increase production, reduce pests and diseases, and improve work processes, leading the future of Korean agriculture."
In March last year, the county signed a business agreement with Japan's Himawari and Kana Seed companies to globalize the functional tomato brand "Todamtodam," laying the groundwork for entry into the Japanese market. The county plans to expand the cultivation area of "Ruby Bell," a functional tomato under the "Todamtodam" brand with excellent UV protection and antioxidant effects, to 50 hectares by 2030, and systematically promote farmer education to disseminate cultivation technology for broccoli sprouts with outstanding anticancer and antioxidant properties, fostering them as future regional food sources.
‘Daesupmargeun Damyang Rice,’ which won the grand prize for two consecutive years in the Jeonnam Top 10 High-Quality Brand Rice Evaluation, achieved 300 tons of exports last year. Provided by Damyang County
Damyang rice, which won the grand prize for two consecutive years in the Jeollanam-do Top 10 High-Quality Brand Rice evaluation, was recognized for its quality in global markets such as Europe and the Americas, achieving a record export volume of 300 tons last year. The county plans to transition to organic-centered production to maintain the reputation of Daesup Malgeun Rice, strengthen the foundation for high-quality rice production, expand exports and public meal supply, and increase the cultivation area of alternative crops to address rice inventory issues, mobilizing all administrative resources.
Additionally, the county built a new western branch of the agricultural machinery rental center in Subuk-myeon to improve convenience for farmers in Daejeon-myeon, Bongsan-myeon, and Subuk-myeon, and constructed dormitories for agricultural workers to secure a stable agricultural workforce.
On the 18th, Governor Lee Byungno emphasized, "To keep our promise of a 'prosperous and wealthy rural community' to the citizens, we have focused our efforts despite difficult circumstances. We will enhance the actual income of farmers through the advancement of agriculture and livestock industries, and support young farmers who will lead the future, building a vibrant rural community."
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