Rental Fees for Agricultural Machinery Waived in Flood-Hit Areas... Rapid Operation of Repair Centers

The government has decided to waive rental fees for agricultural machinery in areas affected by heavy rain until recovery efforts are completed.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on July 24 that it has taken measures to exempt farmers in regions hit by heavy rain from paying rental fees for agricultural machinery at public rental centers until recovery work is finished, in order to support their farming activities.

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The exemption applies to six cities and counties that have been designated as special disaster zones first, including Gapyeong in Gyeonggi Province, Seosan and Yesan in South Chungcheong Province, Damyang in South Jeolla Province, and Sancheong and Hapcheon in South Gyeongsang Province. The government also plans to implement the same fee waiver for any additional cities and counties that are later designated as special disaster zones.

The Ministry will also provide prompt repair support for agricultural machinery damaged by the recent heavy rainfall. To this end, six companies?Daedong, TYM, LS Mtron, Asia Tech, Shinheung Enterprise, and Hansung TNI?have organized 52 teams (68 personnel) to travel to affected areas for on-site repairs. The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (Nonghyup) will mobilize about 1,000 repair technicians at its 577 agricultural machinery repair centers nationwide to ensure swift repairs.

Major agricultural machinery manufacturers and local branches of Nonghyup plan to begin regional repair tours starting July 28. They will offer free inspections and replacement of minor parts such as engine oil and filters for damaged machinery. For machines that cannot be repaired on-site, the equipment will be transported to nearby maintenance shops or manufacturers for necessary repairs.

Farmers wishing to have their flood-damaged agricultural machinery repaired can request service through the main call centers of machinery companies, local dealerships, or regional Nonghyup offices.

Kim Jungwook, Director of Agricultural Innovation Policy at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, said, "Flooded agricultural machinery should not be started; instead, farmers should promptly report repair needs to the nearest dealership or local agricultural office. We will do our best to help farmers resume their agricultural activities by providing swift repair support and waiving rental fees."

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