Rep. Lee Gae-ho: "National Water Management Policy Must Reflect the Specificity and Expertise of Agricultural Water Use"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Rep. Lee Gae-ho (The Democratic Party of Korea·Damyang Hampyeong Yeonggwang Jangseong) conveyed the concerns of farmers regarding the water management unification policy at the Korea Rural Community Corporation's national audit held on the 12th and urged active response to ensure that the special characteristics and management expertise of agricultural water are reflected in the national water management policy.

The management of agricultural infrastructure such as agricultural reservoirs is handled by the Korea Rural Community Corporation and city/county local governments according to the Rural and Fishing Village Development Act.

However, there is a movement to transfer management authority to the Ministry of Environment under the government's water management unification policy, raising strong opposition from farmers and agricultural organizations who fear that agricultural water management, a crucial factor for maintaining agricultural productivity and food security, will be neglected compared to the management of domestic and industrial water.

Chairman Lee stated, “With the enforcement of the ‘Water Management Basic Act’ for national water management unification, farmers are deeply concerned that the special characteristics of agricultural water will not be properly considered and that water management policies for the agricultural sector will be marginalized. We must do our best to actively participate in the national and watershed water management committees and convey farmers' opinions so that improvement measures for agricultural water can be included in the national water management plan currently being established by the Rural Community Corporation, thereby creating an agriculture-friendly water management policy.”

Meanwhile, regarding the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (AT), which held a national audit on the same day, he said, “Last year, 89.3 billion won worth and 51,271 tons of major vegetables such as cabbage, radish, onion, garlic, and chili peppers were purchased, but 16,367 tons of these were discarded, resulting in disposal costs amounting to 2.5 billion won. This year, up to September, out of 7,148 tons purchased worth 9.1 billion won, 6,306 tons were discarded, incurring disposal costs exceeding 1 billion won. Excessive disposal volume and the resulting disposal costs are regrettable for both our farmers and consumers, so AT should establish more efficient disposal measures to reduce unnecessary disposal costs.”

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