Yeongyang County Takes Proactive Measures to Address Rapidly Changing Climate and Agricultural Conditions

Full-Scale Launch of Multipurpose Irrigation System
in Hwamae District to Secure Stable Water Supply for Field Crops

Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang Province has begun full-scale implementation of the “Multipurpose Irrigation Water Supply System Construction Project” in Hwamaeri, Seokbo-myeon, as part of its “Strategic Crop Industrialization Project.” This initiative is a proactive response to rapidly changing climate conditions, such as the recent consecutive heat waves and sudden heavy rainfall.

Yeongyang County Takes Proactive Measures to Address Rapidly Changing Climate and Agricultural Conditions

Yeongyang County Actively Responds to Rapidly Changing Climate and Agricultural Environment.

As of January 26, 2023, Yeongyang County was designated as a major production area for spring and autumn cabbage in North Gyeongsang Province. The cultivation area for field crops, including leafy vegetables, has been steadily increasing. However, the existing reservoirs have faced limitations in supplying sufficient irrigation water for these crops and in preventing flood damage during heavy rainfall.

To address these challenges and adapt to the changing agricultural environment, the county has continuously submitted proposals to relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, as well as to the National Assembly's standing committee. As a result, a foundation has been established to stably supply high-quality agricultural water to leafy vegetable cultivation complexes.

This project began with a basic survey in 2024 (with a national budget of 300 million KRW), and will proceed with approval of the basic plan in August 2025, followed by commencement of detailed design in September of the same year. A total project budget of 20.96 billion KRW will be invested over five years.

The main components of the project include using Hwamae Reservoir as the water intake source and installing one pumping and purification facility, two water storage tanks, nine booster pumps, and a total of 45.3 kilometers of water supply pipelines in the areas of Hwamaeri, Taekjeonri, Sinpyeongri, Dapgokri, and Wonriri.

Upon completion, the project will enable stable water supply to approximately 212.6 hectares of farmland. Additionally, by introducing a non-powered irrigation system that utilizes differences in water level, operational costs are expected to be reduced.

County Governor Oh Dochang stated, “The Hwamae District Multipurpose Irrigation Project will proactively address climate change and shifts in the agricultural environment, dramatically improving the foundation for cultivating field crops such as leafy vegetables. Moving forward, we will continue to flexibly respond to environmental changes and lead the transition to advanced agriculture, including securing more national projects.”