South Korea’s Rice Planting Area Hits Record Low Amidst Government Policies
Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s rice planting area has reacheda record low this year, shrinking by 1.5% compared to the previous year, according to data released by Statistics Korea on August 27th. The total area dedicated to rice cultivation now stands at 697,714 hectares, marking a significant decline from previous years.
This declinecan be attributed to a combination of factors, including government policies aimed at maintaining a balance between rice supply and demand. South Korea’s rice planting area has been steadily decreasing for several years. In 2004, the areaexceeded 1 million hectares, but by 2014, it had shrunk to 815,506 hectares. This trend reflects the government’s efforts to promote a more efficient and sustainable rice production system.
The government’s policy of rational production has been instrumental in reducing the rice planting area. This policy encourages farmers to produce rice more efficiently, aiming to prevent surplus production and maintain stable rice prices. The government has also implemented various support programs for farmers, encouraging them to diversify their crops and explore alternative agricultural practices.
Despite the overall decline, there are regional variations in rice planting areas. Jeollanam-do province boasts the largest rice planting area at 147,738 hectares, followed by Chungcheongnam-do (129,787 hectares), Jeollabuk-do (104,348 hectares), Gyeongsangbuk-do (89,339 hectares), and Gyeonggi-do (72,914 hectares).
The decline in rice planting area has sparked concerns about food security and the potential impact on rural communities. While the government emphasizes theimportance of maintaining a stable rice supply, some argue that the shrinking rice planting area could lead to increased reliance on imported rice. Additionally, the decline in rice cultivation could have implications for rural livelihoods, as farmers may face challenges adapting to alternative agricultural practices.
The government is actively addressing these concerns by implementing measures to support farmersand ensure food security. These measures include providing financial assistance to farmers, promoting research and development of new rice varieties, and strengthening agricultural infrastructure.
The future of rice cultivation in South Korea remains uncertain. While the government’s policies have contributed to a decline in rice planting area, the long-term impact on food securityand rural communities remains to be seen. The government will need to continue monitoring the situation and adjusting its policies to ensure a sustainable and resilient rice production system.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240827002600881?section=news&input=rss
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