Going round the village in the intense cold of midwinter, the President acquainted himself with the farming preparations of the rural community.

When he reached a valley with officials of the farm, he halted, hearing the low sound of flowing water emanant from a small fountain.

He told one of the officials to bring a shovel and pickax and dig the ice-crusted fountain.

As a narrow ditch came in sight, the President bent himself to see the stream. He then told the officials that the quantity of water was not little and that if the ditch was led to paddy fields throughout the winter, it would be enough for rice-transplantation.

The officials were deeply moved by the President always paying deep attention to farming.

Since then the narrow ditch has watered rice fields.