Video Conference with Agricultural Agencies
Discussion of Sector-Specific Response Measures
Installation of Shade Nets and Inspection of Agricultural Water
Jeollanamdo Province discussed sector-specific response measures on the 4th to minimize damage to farmers and agricultural and livestock products and to establish a rapid on-site response system. Provided by Jeonnam Province
On July 4, Jeonnam Province held a video conference with relevant agencies to discuss sector-specific response measures to minimize damage to farmers and agricultural and livestock products due to the heat wave, and to establish a rapid on-site response system.
The meeting was attended by officials from the Agricultural Policy Division, Food and Horticulture Division, Livestock Policy Division, other departments of the Provincial Agricultural and Livestock Food Bureau, Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services, and heads of agricultural policy departments from cities and counties.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation systems among relevant agencies and reviewed the key measures and progress in each sector to respond to the heat wave.
To prevent heat-related illnesses among farmers, the province decided to intensify publicity of safety guidelines, including: checking weather conditions frequently; suspending farm work and taking sufficient breaks between 12:00 and 18:00; and prohibiting solitary work by encouraging a two-person work system.
To prevent safety accidents among foreign workers, educational videos and promotional leaflets on heat wave preparedness were produced and distributed in nine languages, and employers were asked to suspend farm work during the daytime hours in summer.
To secure and supply agricultural water in advance, the province will promote the development and maintenance of alternative water sources such as wells and reservoirs, maintenance of irrigation and drainage channels, and inspection and expansion of irrigation facilities such as pumps and sprinklers.
To prevent crop death and the spread of pests and diseases due to the heat wave, the province will focus on supporting cultivation technologies for heat wave response, including: strengthening monitoring and joint control of pests and diseases in rice paddies; installing double-layered shade nets in ginseng fields; operating shade nets and micro-sprinkler systems in orchards; and covering soil in field crops.
To prevent livestock stress and mortality caused by high temperatures, the province also recommended measures such as applying heat-blocking materials to barn roofs, sprinkling water on roofs, and operating ventilation fans.
Since May, Jeonnam Province has been operating a comprehensive situation room for heat wave countermeasures for agricultural and livestock products. During heat wave advisories, the province sends text messages to more than 26,000 farmers (and organizations) to suspend farm work, thereby preventing casualties from heat-related illnesses in advance.
To reduce damage to agricultural and livestock products caused by the heat wave, the province is supporting disaster prevention facilities and equipment for a total of nine projects, including installation of micro-sprinkler systems, shade nets, and application of heat-blocking materials to barn roofs, with a budget of 11.2 billion won.
To stabilize the management of farms affected by disasters, the province is also supporting agricultural policy insurance worth 211.7 billion won.
Park Hyunsik, Director of the Agricultural and Livestock Food Bureau of Jeonnam Province, said, "Cases of heat-related illness and livestock deaths are already occurring due to the early heat wave," and urged, "When it comes to disaster response, take preemptive measures to the point of being excessive, and above all, ensure thorough on-site response so that there are no casualties among farmers."
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