"Unilateral Policy Must Be Revised"
Calls to Minimize Damage to Farmers
Choi Hunsik, the chairperson of the Uiseong County Council in North Gyeongsang Province, proposed a resolution pointing out the issues of the rice cultivation area adjustment system and urging its improvement.
On the 13th, Chairperson Choi submitted the "Resolution Urging Improvement of the Rice Cultivation Area Adjustment System" at the 332nd monthly meeting of the North Gyeongsang Province City and County Council Chairpersons' Association, held at the Bandabi Sports Center in Seongju County. The Uiseong County Council officially announced this on the 16th.
This resolution emphasizes that the "Rice Cultivation Area Adjustment System" announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in December last year does not sufficiently reflect local circumstances, and calls for income stability for farmers and the pursuit of sustainable policies.
Chairperson Choi stated, "The government's rice cultivation area adjustment system is being implemented unilaterally without considering regional characteristics," and pointed out, "The inappropriate timing of the project and the lack of infrastructure for cultivating alternative crops are increasing the burden on farmers."
As alternatives, he suggested the introduction of a fallow land direct payment system (with national funding), expansion of partial fallow support projects, and improvement of infrastructure for cultivating alternative crops, urging the government to respond actively.
The North Gyeongsang Province City and County Council Chairpersons' Association agreed with the intent of the resolution and shared the view that effective measures reflecting the opinions of farmers are needed. Accordingly, they officially adopted the resolution and decided to forward it to the relevant government ministries.
Meanwhile, the adopted resolution will be sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and other related ministries, and discussions for policy improvement are expected to continue.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
