Suncheon County announced that they conducted the first rice harvesting of the year on the 22nd in Dochima Village, Pungsan-myeon. The protagonist was Mr. Park Dong-min (44), who harvested the joy of the first harvest about four months after planting *'Haedam rice'* in April.

Haedam rice is a variety with excellent resistance to diseases and pests, making it stable for cultivation, and it is highly preferred by consumers for its delicious taste. Especially, due to its early harvesting characteristic, it is expected to contribute to the stability of farm income as early shipments before Chuseok are possible.

Mr. Park expressed his joy at completing the first harvest despite heavy rains and heatwaves, saying, "I am happy to have completed the first harvest even in heavy rains and heatwaves," and added, "I will continue to do my best to produce high-quality rice."

Suncheon County Mayor Choi Young-il said, "It is meaningful to share the joy of the first harvest together thanks to the efforts of farmers in difficult farming environments due to climate change," and emphasized, "We will continue to provide active support to overcome complex crises such as decreasing rice consumption and aging rural communities."

This year, the rice cultivation area in Suncheon County is 4,869 hectares, and full-scale harvesting is expected to continue sequentially until October.