Chilgok County Operates "Agricultural Byproduct Crushing Support Team"

Leading Forest Fire Prevention and Farmer Safety

Chilgok County in North Gyeongsang Province is operating an "Agricultural Byproduct Crushing Support Team" until February 28 to prevent forest fires caused by the illegal burning of agricultural byproducts in winter and to create a safe farming environment for farmers, targeting elderly people aged 65 or older and single female farmers.

Kim Jaewook, Chilgok County Governor, posed for a commemorative photo with the Agricultural Residue Shredding Support Team (first and second from the left) and officials. Photo provided by Chilgok County Office

This project gives priority to elderly farmers and female farmers who have difficulty disposing of agricultural byproducts. The Crushing Support Team visits farms in person and safely crushes agricultural byproducts such as pruned branches, pepper stems, and fruit tree residues on site.

The burning of agricultural byproducts is one of the main causes of forest fires, and the risk of large-scale wildfires is particularly high during the dry winter season. In response, Chilgok County is working to reduce burning through the operation of the Crushing Support Team, while also supporting the recycling of crushed byproducts into compost and other uses so that they can be returned to the soil. This helps increase soil organic matter, creating a threefold benefit.

An official from Chilgok County said, "The illegal burning of agricultural byproducts is a very dangerous act that can lead to forest fires," adding, "We will continue to expand support for the safe disposal of agricultural byproducts to do our best in preventing forest fires and promoting eco-friendly farming practices." The county plans to strengthen policies that foster a culture of safe disposal of agricultural byproducts through ongoing publicity and support. In addition, at the Chilgok County rental facility, crushers for handling agricultural byproducts are being rented out free of charge until the end of March.