The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 'Energy Conversion of Livestock Manure' cooperation, etc.

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Yoon-gu = The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Environment signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation on water management policies at the Government Complex Sejong on the 4th. Through the agreement, the two ministries will push forward with initiatives such as ▲ production of renewable energy and water quality improvement through energy conversion of livestock manure ▲ dissemination of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce agricultural pollution runoff ▲ enhancement of the foundation for stable use of agricultural water through improvement of intake and discharge facilities. Energy conversion of livestock manure is a key measure that can simultaneously achieve water quality improvement and greenhouse gas reduction. Both ministries plan to revise related systems and expand facility support to convert livestock manure into energy, thereby reducing the pollution load in water systems while increasing the production of renewable energy. Soil testing and appropriate fertilization to reduce fertilizer usage can lower the cost of fertilizers, thereby reducing the burden on farmers. The distribution of slow-release fertilizers and the installation of drip irrigation systems, among other best management practices, are expected to increase agricultural efficiency and help alleviate the labor burden in aging rural areas. Furthermore, by improving intake and discharge facilities, the plan is to establish a stable agricultural water supply system even in times of drought and other climate crises, thereby reducing the uncertainty of agricultural production and increasing the stability of the farming environment. The two ministries will conduct regular policy consultations at the deputy minister level and check the progress of the projects through a working-level consultation committee. Deputy Minister Kim Jong-gu of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and First Vice Minister Geum Han-seung of the Ministry of Environment expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the livestock and agricultural sectors, including the improvement of water quality in major water systems such as the Nakdong River, following this agreement. This agreement was made to manage pollution sources in the livestock and agricultural sectors and improve water use systems, following the recent confirmation of the Nakdong River water quality improvement plan. ykim@yna.co.kr