호수로 변한 구좌 당근밭…농가 “이럴 때 재해보험이라도”

Last month, from the 23rd to the 25th, rain was expected, but it didn't come. Consequently, on the 20th, a farmer named Han Taesuk planted his seeds. However, when the forecast predicted rain on the 15th, 16th, and 17th of August, he sowed his seeds again on the 12th, only to find that even more rain had fallen. Standing in front of a suddenly transformed rice field in the form of a lake in Jeju's Gokju-eup, Han Taesuk said, "I need three days of rain for the water to recede and for the land to dry out, but if I wait any longer, I might miss the planting window and have to sow the seeds a third time."

The sandy and muddy soil of Gokju's rice fields, which is ideal for water drainage, proved to be a challenge during the torrential downpour that lasted for three nights. Heavy rains of 268.5cm fell on coastal and low-lying fields just days after farmers were anxiously waiting for the rain. This year, as drought had already affected many, the sudden heavy rains meant that farmers had to pay for their crops without any assistance.

While agricultural insurance covers damage caused by natural disasters like typhoons and strong winds, it only covers crops that have sprouted and accounted for 80% or more of their planting area. This year, only 485 rice fields out of 5,500 participating in agricultural insurance have made it to the insurance program. Han Seong explains that the insurance costs 40,000 won per 1,000 hectares, but if the crops fail due to natural disasters, the insurance payout is around 520,000 won, which can cover seed and fertilizer costs.

However, only 17 fields out of 17 are still insured, leaving many farmers without support. Farmers' groups argue for improving access to disaster insurance as extreme weather events become more frequent. In 2019, insurance coverage for rice allowed participation before planting, but starting in 2023, the coverage begins only after planting.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is considering extending the coverage to all crops starting in 2024, provided the sprouting rate is 80% or more. Officials say farmers who have suffered losses can use the disaster recovery support system even if they have already purchased insurance.