South Jeolla Province urges rice farmers to sign up for crop disaster insurance by June 19

Province covers 90% of premiums; coverage expanded to include seven crop diseases this year

South Jeolla Province is urging rice farmers to enroll in the crop disaster insurance program for rice by June 19, which covers losses from natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rain as well as damage from crop diseases and pests.

The rice crop disaster insurance program pays out when natural disasters such as typhoons or heavy rain cause damage, helping stabilize farm operations. Starting this year, the program expanded its main coverage to include seven types of crop diseases and pests — among them brown planthopper, rice blast and bacterial blight — broadening the scope of protection for farmers.

The seven covered diseases and pests are: white leaf blight, brown planthopper, rice blast, stripe leaf blight, brown spot, rice stink bug and bacterial grain rot.

To ease the financial burden on rice farmers, South Jeolla Province subsidizes 90 percent of the premium. Based on last year's figures, the average premium runs about 520,000 won ($341) per hectare, meaning farmers pay only 10 percent, or 52,000 won, out of pocket. Plots certified as organic under eco-friendly farming standards receive full premium support.

Farmers wishing to enroll must visit their nearest local agricultural cooperative by June 19 with their identification and documentation confirming cultivation. Last year, 14,000 rice farming households in South Jeolla Province that suffered losses from heavy rain and brown spot disease received a combined 83 billion won in insurance payouts.

The province also called on farmers to take preventive measures to reduce flooding and lodging damage from typhoons and heavy rain, including maintaining drainage channels and applying nitrogen fertilizer at appropriate levels.

"This year, weather volatility driven by a super El Niño raises concerns about typhoon and heavy rain damage," said Jeong Won-jin, head of the province's food and horticulture division. "We strongly encourage all farmers to enroll in the crop disaster insurance program to prepare for potential disasters."