South Korea: Jeonnam ginseng heat wave damage recognized as disaster, farmers’ support limit too low

135ha of ginseng fields suffer leaf damage Plan to support pesticides and management funds Up to 50 million won per farm On-site: “Questions about proper compensation” The government has recognized the ginseng leaf damage caused by this summer’s heat wave as a disaster, but farmers are arguing that institutional support is needed for realistic support. In the Jeonnam region, leaf damage occurred on 135ha due to the long-term heat wave this year. This is 38% of the total cultivation area of 378ha in the province, and the government has recognized this damage as a disaster. Jeonnam Province plans to comprehensively assess the damage status and provide pesticides and management funds through on-site investigations. In response, ginseng farmers are arguing that institutional improvement is needed for realistic support. Mr. Lee Gyu-cheol, who has been growing ginseng in Gangjin for 17 years, said, “Out of the 15ha of cultivation area, 6ha suffered leaf dieback damage, and in addition ...