Goheung-gun Takes Action on Water Management Amid Ongoing Spring Drought

Promoting Smooth Farming Operations through Clean and Stable Agricultural Water Supply

[Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Jeong-woo] Goheung-gun recently announced that due to climate change causing recurring spring droughts every year, a research project on the agricultural water supply system was conducted. The investigation revealed that 1,010 hectares of farmland face water shortage issues, leading to the establishment and ongoing implementation of improvement measures.

According to the county, rainfall in Goheung-gun has decreased by 150.2mm on average over the past three years ('17~'19) compared to the past 30-year average ('81~'10). With spring droughts becoming commonplace, urgent improvements to the water supply system are necessary. Based on the research results, the county has actively requested support for agricultural production infrastructure projects as part of drought countermeasures from related organizations such as Jeonnam Province, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. As a result, a total project budget of 20.9 billion KRW, including 12.2 billion KRW in national and provincial funds, was secured.

In this regard, wells are being developed in 125 districts including Pungyang Baekseok and Donggang Jangdeok villages. Additionally, pumping stations and intake weir facilities are being constructed in eight districts such as Podu Andong and Donggang Jukam districts, and renovation work is underway on nine aging reservoirs including Dohwa Jideung, Namyang, Hwadam, and Daeseo Geumdang reservoirs.

Furthermore, to ensure smooth agricultural water supply from water sources to farmland, 25 km of sediment dredging is being carried out on irrigation and drainage canals. To prevent crop damage caused by increased salinity in freshwater lakes due to increased sunlight, salinity measurement devices are being installed at 30 pumping stations located in reclaimed areas such as Haechangman in Podu-myeon.

Meanwhile, upon completion of this project, a vast farmland area of 182 hectares will receive a stable supply of agricultural water, which is expected to improve agricultural productivity.

A county official stated, “In preparation for the continued drought phenomena caused by climate change, we will continue efforts to secure national and provincial funds for districts lacking agricultural water and establish water supply support measures to ensure smooth farming operations.”

Goheung=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Jeong-woo sevenshim@asiae.co.kr

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