Inspection Meeting on Heatwave Prevention Measures in the Agricultural Sector
As heatwaves and tropical nights are expected to persist for the time being, the government has decided to implement preemptive supply stabilization measures to ensure a stable supply of vegetables such as cabbage, which suffered significant damage from heatwaves.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on July 4 that it held an "Agricultural Sector Heatwave Prevention Measures Inspection Meeting" presided over by Vice Minister Kang Hyungseok at the Agricultural Disaster Countermeasures Situation Room to respond to summer heatwaves in the agricultural sector.
Kang Hyungseok, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, is presiding over the "Agricultural Sector Heatwave Prevention Measures Inspection Meeting" at the Agricultural Disaster Countermeasures Situation Room on the 4th. (Photo by Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, Jeju Island and the southern regions are now out of the influence of the stationary front associated with the rainy season, which has ended. Due to the influence of the North Pacific high pressure system, heatwaves and tropical nights are expected to continue for the time being. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is continuously monitoring cases of heat-related illnesses among farmers, as well as the growth and breeding status of crops and livestock affected by the heatwave.
This meeting was attended by relevant departments of the Ministry, local governments, the Rural Development Administration, and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup), who reviewed analyses of heatwave damage cases and the progress of prevention measures in various areas such as farmer safety, horticulture, and livestock.
In particular, the meeting focused on horticultural and facility crops that suffered significant damage last year due to heatwaves, such as reduced growth. Participants reviewed management measures that farms can implement during heatwaves and support policies provided by the central and local governments. In addition, for livestock farms at risk of mass animal deaths, the meeting analyzed the current damage situation, reviewed response guidelines, and discussed concrete measures to minimize losses.
A Ministry official explained, "To prevent heatwave damage to crops, agricultural activities that can lower temperatures, such as adjusting irrigation volumes and installing shading nets in greenhouses, are necessary." The official added, "To prevent livestock deaths, measures such as ventilation, shading, and cooling must be implemented. The Ministry and related organizations are actively promoting these measures to farms and providing the necessary support."
The Ministry is strengthening cabbage crop management through the Crop Growth Management Council and is implementing preemptive supply stabilization measures to ensure a stable supply of vegetables such as cabbage, which suffered significant damage from last year's heatwave. These measures include supporting price differences when switching crops, as well as providing agricultural materials and distribution costs to expand the cultivation area of summer cabbage.
During summer farm work, it is important to stay hydrated, take sufficient breaks, and wear well-ventilated clothing. The Ministry operates a "Rural Visiting Medical Bus" to provide easy access to medical services in rural areas with limited access to hospitals. It also distributes booklets on preventing heat-related illnesses among farmers in the summer, which include guidelines on what to do during heatwaves and first aid methods in case of heat-related illness.
Vice Minister Kang Hyungseok stated, "Heatwaves are not only a matter of life and livelihood for farmers, but are also directly linked to food prices for the public. Therefore, proactive preventive measures such as public awareness campaigns and on-site visits are essential. We will thoroughly monitor and implement heatwave response measures to minimize damage in the agricultural sector."
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