Gyeonggi-do to Provide Activity Allowance for Carbon Neutrality Practicing Farmers... Apply by February 21

Gyeonggi Province is recruiting farmers to participate in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' '2025 Low-Carbon Agriculture Program Pilot Project' until February 21.

The Low-Carbon Agriculture Program Pilot Project supports farmers who practice low-carbon farming activities such as mid-season drainage during rice cultivation by providing activity expenses.

This is a fully government-funded project, and farmers can receive support simply by performing mid-season drainage or shallow water management during rice farming. Activity expenses are also provided when biochar is applied.

Mid-season drainage refers to the process of draining water for more than two weeks after transplanting rice seedlings to dry the paddy soil until it cracks. Shallow water management involves maintaining water at a shallow depth of about 2?3 cm, allowing it to dry naturally, and repeating this process. Both methods are effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Biochar is an organic material in the form of charcoal made by pyrolyzing wood or other materials at high temperatures without oxygen. When applied to farmland, it captures carbon from the air, helping reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil quality.

Eligibility for support requires applicants to be agricultural corporations or producer organizations cultivating at least 20 hectares of rice paddies and eligible for the 2025 Basic Public Interest Direct Payment.

The activity expense support rates per hectare are ▲ 150,000 KRW for mid-season drainage ▲ 160,000 KRW for shallow water management ▲ 364,000 KRW for biochar application. Mid-season drainage and shallow water management must be performed together, and biochar must be applied at a rate of at least 200 kg per hectare.

Agricultural corporations and producer organizations wishing to participate in the project can apply by visiting the relevant department at their local city or county office.

Jung In-woong, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Eco-Friendly Agriculture Division, stated, "We hope for active participation from farmers in the province to achieve carbon neutrality in the agricultural sector."

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