Ministry of Agriculture to Purchase All Rice Affected by Rice Kernel Smut

Announcement of "2025 Rice Harvest Season Supply and Demand Stabilization Measures"
Moon Geumjoo: "Measures Needed for Crop Damage Caused by Climate Change"

Moon Geumju, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

On October 13, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced the "2025 Rice Harvest Season Supply and Demand Stabilization Measures," which center on the government purchasing all rice affected by rice kernel smut, a disease that has caused large-scale damage due to heat waves and other abnormal weather conditions.

This measure reflects the persistent requests made by Moon Geumjoo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Goheung, Boseong, Jangheung, and Gangjin in South Jeolla Province, to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. It is expected to provide much-needed relief to farming households struggling with the impacts of climate change.

However, concerns have been raised that this measure alone will not be sufficient to address the increasing crop damage. As agricultural disasters caused by climate change, such as rice diseases and the recent nationwide spread of green onion diseases, become more severe, there is an urgent need for fundamental solutions, including expanding the official recognition of agricultural disasters and improving the agricultural disaster insurance system.

This summer's record-breaking heat wave was particularly severe in South Jeolla Province. The region experienced 31.8 days of heat waves, 4.2 days longer than the national average. During the rice growing season (July to September), the highest temperatures were up to 3.5 degrees Celsius higher than normal, which had a critical impact on rice growth and grain filling (the ripening process).

Rice kernel smut, which spreads rapidly in hot and humid conditions, can reduce yields by up to 37% and lower quality when infection occurs. As of October 1, the affected area in South Jeolla Province reached 13,337 hectares, accounting for more than one-third of the total affected area nationwide. This represents a 3.7-fold increase compared to last year and a 2.1-fold increase compared to the average year.

Green onion farmers have also been hit hard by climate change. In Boseong, South Jeolla Province, more than 150 farms (covering 120 hectares) have suffered outbreaks of various diseases such as downy mildew and gray mold. Last month, Boseong experienced 18 days of rainfall, double that of the previous year, and the average temperature reached 23 degrees Celsius, far exceeding the optimal growth temperature for green onions, which is 20 degrees Celsius. Similar damage has been reported in major production areas nationwide, including Asan in South Chungcheong Province and Yecheon in North Gyeongsang Province, increasing the difficulties faced by farmers.

Moon Geumjoo stated, "While I welcome the inclusion of the full purchase of rice affected by rice kernel smut, farmers should not be left to bear the burden of climate change-related damage." He emphasized, "Rice kernel smut and green onion diseases should be officially recognized as agricultural disasters, and the system should be improved to allow green onion farmers to enroll in disaster insurance throughout the year."