Gwangyang City Fully Supports 'Rice Paddy Apple Snail Purchase Cost' to Promote Eco-Friendly Farming Methods

Supporting 10% Farmer Co-Payment, Reducing Weeding Costs in Rice Farming and Promoting Eco-Friendly Agricultural Practices

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Gwangyang City announced on the 12th that it will fully support the purchase cost of apple snails for rice farming households.

The city is spending 64.8 million won this year to supply 6,480 kg of apple snails to 539 hectares of rice paddies starting from the 11th.

The apple snail farming method is an eco-friendly farming technique that involves releasing 1.2 kg of apple snails per 10 ares within 5 to 7 days after rice transplanting to achieve weed control effects and prevent ecosystem destruction such as water pollution.

The rice paddy apple snail supply project is led by Jeollanam-do Province, where farmers are required to bear 10% of the cost, but the city has supported 6.48 million won of the farmers' share to reduce their burden.

Despite the industrial and public utility of the "apple snail," it poses ecological risks and requires systematic management.

Accordingly, the city plans to strengthen project management by taking measures such as recovering subsidy funds and permanently excluding support for those who fail to fulfill the obligation to collect apple snails during supply, and will operate a focused collection period (August 3 to 28).

In addition, it recommended installing blocking nets and fences in irrigation and drainage channels before and after rice transplanting, and conducting practices such as drying the paddies, cultivating green manure crops, and deep plowing after rice harvest to prevent apple snails from overwintering.

Lee Sam-sik, Director of Agricultural Support Division, said, “We will strive to produce safe eco-friendly rice through the supply of apple snails.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.