[2025 Audit] Song Miryung: "Rice Kernel Smut Damage Recognized as Agricultural Disaster... Disaster Relief Funds to Be Provided Swiftly"

National Assembly Audit by the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, announced on October 14 that "the rice kernel smut disease caused by abnormal high temperatures will be recognized as an agricultural disaster, and a damage assessment will be conducted to promptly provide disaster relief funds."

During the National Assembly’s Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee audit on the same day, Minister Song stated, "Taking into account the recent difficulties faced by farmers due to rice diseases, we will purchase all affected rice and swiftly support recovery costs to ensure the stability of farm management. We will do our utmost to support farmers," she said.

Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. (File photo)

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, as of October 1, rice kernel smut disease had occurred in approximately 36,000 hectares nationwide due to abnormal high temperatures in July and August and frequent rainfall in September. Rice kernel smut disease initially produces dark brown, sesame seed-shaped spots on the leaves, and in severe cases, causes dark brown spots on the grains, leading to a decline in rice quality and other damages.

The Ministry has comprehensively reviewed the causal relationship between weather conditions and disease outbreaks, as well as the extent of the damage, in cooperation with the Rural Development Administration. The issue was submitted to the Agricultural Disaster Countermeasures Review Committee, which officially recognized it as an agricultural disaster.

Accordingly, the Ministry will conduct damage assessments to ensure that even farms that have already completed harvesting are not excluded from support, by verifying rice purchase records at Rice Processing Complexes (RPCs). After the assessment, disaster relief funds, including pesticide costs, replanting costs, and livelihood support, will be provided promptly.

In addition, the Ministry will offer support such as deferment of agricultural policy fund repayments and interest reductions. If additional funds are needed for farm management, disaster management loans with an interest rate of 1.8% will also be made available.