Gwangju Seo-gu Council Adopts Opinion on 'Government Proposal to Overcome Rice Price Collapse'

Representative Kim Oksu's Proposal

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] The Seo-gu Council of Gwangju Metropolitan City unanimously adopted the "Government Recommendation to Urge Humanitarian Food Aid to North Korea to Overcome the Rice Price Collapse and Stabilize Prices," which was proposed by Representative Kim Ok-su, at the 1st regular session of the 306th plenary meeting, based on the proposal from the Gwangju Farmers' Association.

Except for the areas affected by Typhoon Hin Namno, the nationwide crop yield is abundant, and an excess harvest of 8-10% of rice production is expected. As a result, the price of rice based on 20kg dropped by 24.4%, from 55,333 won to 41,836 won this year. This is the largest price drop in 45 years since statistics began.

Accordingly, the Seo-gu Council stated that it is necessary to establish measures to support farmers who are deeply concerned.

They also said, "The government has isolated 370,000 tons of surplus rice from the annual 410,000 tons of rice imports in three phases since last year, but this delayed response failed to prevent the price drop. Now, the government’s grain storage warehouse capacity and consumption measures have reached their limits, making it practically impossible to block imports or export rice. Therefore, as a last resort, humanitarian food aid to North Korea should be provided."

Representative Kim Ok-su said, "Humanitarian food aid is possible despite the UN sanctions resolutions against North Korea, and it can serve as a catalyst for inter-Korean dialogue, becoming a good opportunity to revitalize the economy through inter-Korean exchanges."

Meanwhile, the government recommendation includes humanitarian food aid to North Korea, revision of the Grain Management Act, improvement of the market isolation system, legalization of agricultural income stabilization policies, preparation of food security measures to respond to the climate crisis, and a fundamental change in perception toward agriculture and rural areas.

Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho yjm3070@asiae.co.kr

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