"Rice False Smut Disease Recognized as Agricultural Disaster"... Damyang County Begins Damage Survey

County Governor Jeong Cheolwon:
"Doing Our Best to Swiftly Implement Support Measures"

Damyang County has begun a full-scale damage survey targeting affected farms in the area following the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' official recognition of 'rice false smut disease' as an agricultural disaster. Provided by Damyang County

Damyang County in South Jeolla Province announced on October 25 that it has begun a full-scale damage survey targeting affected farms in the area, following the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' official recognition of 'rice false smut disease' as an agricultural disaster.

Due to abnormal high temperatures in July and August of this year and frequent rainfall in September, 'rice false smut disease' has spread nationwide, and damage has also been confirmed in Damyang. This disease causes dark brown spots on rice leaves and grains, leading to a decline in quality and reduced yields, which has a significant impact on the management stability of farms.

Accordingly, the county plans to promptly conduct damage surveys in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and to actively provide support to affected farms, including disaster relief funds, deferment of agricultural policy fund repayments, and interest reductions.

The county is also continuing its crop disaster insurance support program to prepare for agricultural disasters. For small-scale and elderly rice farmers, the county supports even the self-paid portion of insurance premiums to reduce the economic burden in the event of a disaster and to ensure stable farming operations.

During his visit to the affected sites, County Governor Jeong Cheolwon emphasized, "Conduct thorough damage surveys and swiftly implement support measures so that we can assist farms suffering from rice false smut disease." He added, "We will continue to take proactive measures against agricultural disasters and do our utmost to ensure a stable income base for our farmers."