Special Aids to Severe Drought Areas

President Kim Dae-Jung announced yesterday that the government is considering special measures to support the severe drought areas, equal to the measures of the disaster area. He said, ``[The government] is planning to support the farmers with the educational expenses, tax deductions, agricultural funds, and agricultural family security funds.``

After the cabinet meeting, President Kim addressed the statement, ``[The government] will support the farmers with the available funds of the disaster-countermeasures as much as necessary and will do it timely. And the government will also support the utility for the pumps, pipe-wells, water supply vehicles.``

The President will launch out the `Emergency Countermeasure Committee to Overcome Drought,` which will be led by the Prime Minister.

President Kim also requested the water-save movement of the nation, emphasizing ``the nation should encourage and support the farmers not to lose their hope.``

The government will hold the first meeting of the `Emergency Countermeasure Committee to Overcome Drought` today to discuss the short-terms countermeasures for the drought, support programs for the damaged area, the complete resolution for the lack of water supply.

The participating departments of the government will include the Ministries of Finance and Economy, Agriculture and Forestry, Government Administration and Home Affairs, Construction and Transportation, Commerce Industry and Energy.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com