The government is taking measures to stabilize prices and supply of agricultural and marine products in response to recent heatwaves and droughts. It plans to offer discounts on agricultural chemicals and nutrients, with up to 50% off on key products until the Chuseok holiday, depending on supply conditions.
On August 13, the government held a meeting of economic ministers and a special task force on living costs to discuss strategies for stabilizing prices and supply of agricultural and marine products amid extreme weather.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, this summer's heat has caused damage to certain crops, including sweet persimmons and rice, particularly in South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla provinces. The affected areas include 1,125 hectares of sweet persimmons, 573 hectares of rice, and 38 hectares of soybeans. While the damage is not as severe as last year, there are concerns about further impacts on growth, quality, and yield if the heat persists.
In response, the government will conduct ongoing monitoring of growth and damage conditions and implement timely measures. It aims to prevent further damage through discounted supplies of chemicals and nutrients, support for shading materials, and emergency water supply.
Damage to livestock is reported to be less severe than last year. The heat has resulted in the deaths of 54,299 pigs and 944,234 poultry, a 61% decrease compared to last year. With stable slaughter supply, the impact on prices of key livestock products like pork and eggs has been minimal.
Since May, the government has been operating a livestock disaster response team and implementing measures to address the heat, including emergency water supply and support for necessary items. In collaboration with the Fire Agency and local governments, it has focused on providing 'mobile watering support' to 18,978 vulnerable farms and preemptively supplying items to alleviate heat stress.
Retail prices for seafood have remained stable. A 'serious' high-temperature warning has been issued for 31 coastal areas, with fish deaths reported at 0.5% (1.83 million fish) of the total. Since 90% of the deceased fish are of low market value, the impact on seafood supply and prices is considered limited.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries plans to support fishermen by providing equipment to combat high temperatures, such as liquid oxygen supply devices and shading materials. Additionally, it will invest an extra 30 billion won to extend discount support programs for four more weeks. To prepare for worsening climate conditions, the ministry also plans to expedite the payment of 50% of insurance premiums and expand disaster relief funding to support rapid recovery.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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