The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has designated a 'Special Heat Wave and Drought Management Period' starting August 7, further strengthening its response to heat waves and drought.

This measure follows the President's directive to strengthen the heat wave response system. The existing Agricultural Disaster Countermeasures Situation Room, previously overseen by the Director-General for Rural Income and Energy Policy, has been elevated to the 'MAFRA Disaster Response Headquarters,' now headed by a Vice Minister. The headquarters will collaborate with ministries related to heat-related illness fatalities, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, to carry out a government-wide response.

On the same day, the 7th, a meeting to review heat wave and drought countermeasures was held at the Agricultural Disaster Countermeasures Situation Room, chaired by Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Kim Jong-koo. With relevant agencies in attendance — including the Rural Development Administration, the Korea Forest Service, the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, the Korea Rural Community Corporation, and local governments — participants discussed sector-specific countermeasures and implementation status concerning elderly farmers, foreign workers, crops, and livestock.

Weather Conditions

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, heat advisories are currently in effect for the Seoul metropolitan area, Gangwon, and the Jeolla region, with heat warnings continuing across most of the country. The intense heat is expected to persist nationwide with no rain in the forecast going forward.

Strengthened Sector-Specific Countermeasures

During the Special Management Period, each agency's heat wave countermeasures will be further strengthened.

• Protection of Vulnerable Groups: The Rural Development Administration will expand the activities of prevention officers to protect vulnerable populations, including elderly farmers, from heat-related illnesses. Foreign workers will receive text messages containing heat wave prevention guidelines in 18 languages, as well as information on how to report failures to guarantee rest breaks.
• Enhanced Patrols: The Korea Forest Service and local governments will increase patrols and broadcasts utilizing drones and vehicles.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Centered on farmer organizations, campaigns promoting adequate rest during heat waves will be conducted, along with infographic-based promotions informing the public of potential penalties for violating the five basic rules for heat wave response.
• Livestock Damage Prevention: The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation and local governments will carry out emergency water spraying on livestock barn roofs and surrounding areas using quarantine vehicles. MAFRA plans to expand water spraying support by directly visiting vulnerable farming households.
• Crop Protection: On-site technical guidance will be strengthened, including the installation of shade nets and the operation of air circulation fans, to minimize sunburn damage to fruit trees and other crops.

Vice Minister Kim Jong-koo stated, "During the special management period next week, all agencies must make every effort to minimize fatalities among farmers." He urged, "Agency officials should go out into the field and actively resolve difficulties in preventing damage, thoroughly manage the supply and demand of agricultural and livestock products, and minimize damage in the agricultural sector by pursuing preemptive drought countermeasures."