"Wishing for a Bountiful Harvest as the Waters Flow: Najuho Reservoir Opens for Irrigation"

The first flow of water for this year has opened across the fields of Naju, Jeollanam-do, marking the start of the new farming season.

On April 22, the Jeonnam Regional Headquarters of Korea Rural Community Corporation held the "2026 Jeonnam Representative Water Release Ceremony" at Najuho Reservoir. This ceremony, which involves opening sluice gates that remained closed throughout the winter to let water flow into the farmlands for the first time, symbolizes a wish for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.

The event was attended by Vice President Cho Youngho, officials from Jeollanam-do Province and Naju City, as well as local farmers.

On the 22nd, with the gates of the Najuho Reservoir fully opened, active water supply began to the farmland areas around Naju and Yeongam.
[Photo by Jeonnam Branch of Korea Rural Community Corporation]

When the participants pressed the water release button, water from Najuho Reservoir was discharged, initiating the supply of irrigation water to approximately 10,000 hectares of farmland in the Naju and Yeongam areas.

Completed in 1976, Najuho Reservoir has served as a key water resource facility supporting agriculture in Jeollanam-do for nearly half a century. The current water storage rate exceeds the average for this time of year, ensuring that a stable water supply will be available throughout this farming season.

Vice President Cho Youngho stated, "The water release ceremony is more than just a formal event. As climate change increases the importance of water management, we will provide stable farming support for agricultural workers through scientific and systematic irrigation management."

Meanwhile, the Jeonnam Branch of Korea Rural Community Corporation has completed canal dredging and facility inspections ahead of the farming season, and plans to deploy staff on-site to monitor water supply conditions in real time down to the end sections of the irrigation channels even after the water release.

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