Opposition Says, "Support Fuel for Farm Machinery Before Rural Basic Income"

[Financial News] Han Ki-ho of the People Power Party (PPP) argued on the 7th that the budget in the current supplementary budget earmarked to expand the Rural Basic Income program should be redirected to support fuel for agricultural machinery and mineral fertilizers.
During a comprehensive policy inquiry session of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts of the National Assembly that day, Han pressed Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong, asking, "Is the supplementary budget allocation for fuel for agricultural machinery and mineral fertilizers sufficient?" He then pointed out, "It is far from enough."
He continued, "The budget for fuel for agricultural machinery has been left out, while you say the government will only cover heating fuel for greenhouse farmers. It is spring now, and summer is coming," criticizing, "You have allocated funds for heating fuel that is not needed, while failing to provide the fuel for farm machinery that is actually necessary."
Han argued that, to secure such funding, the government should use the budget currently allocated in the supplementary budget to expand the Rural Basic Income program.
He said, "Expanding the Rural Basic Income program at this point is essentially to use it as an election tool ahead of the local elections," and demanded, "Rather than designating additional pilot project areas, redirect this budget to expand support for the fuel and mineral fertilizers that farmers actually need."
In response, Minister Song said, "Diesel used in agricultural machinery was not included, so we also submitted our opinion to the standing committee that all types of fuel need to be covered."

gowell@fnnews.com Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter