South Korea’s Rice Planting Area Hits Record Low Amidst Declining Demand
Seoul, August 27, 2024 – SouthKorea’s rice planting area has reached an all-time low this year, shrinking by 1.5% compared to the previous year, according to datareleased by the country’s Statistics Korea on Tuesday. The total area dedicated to rice cultivation stands at 697,714 hectares, marking asignificant decline from previous years.
This downward trend in rice planting is a reflection of several factors, including a shift in consumer preferences, government policies aimed at maintaining rice supply and demand balance, and the increasing adoption of alternative crops.
Thedecline in rice planting has been a gradual process over the past two decades. In 2004, the area dedicated to rice cultivation surpassed 1 million hectares. However, by 2014, it had dropped to815,506 hectares, primarily due to the government’s implementation of a rational production policy designed to stabilize the rice market. This policy aimed to reduce overproduction and maintain a healthy balance between supply and demand.
While the government’s efforts have contributed to the decline in rice planting,changing consumer habits have also played a significant role. South Koreans are increasingly opting for a more diverse diet, with a growing demand for imported grains and other food products. This shift in consumer preferences has led to a decrease in domestic rice consumption, further impacting the demand for rice cultivation.
Despite the decline, rice remainsa staple food in South Korea, and the government continues to implement policies to support the domestic rice industry. These policies include price support measures, subsidies for rice farmers, and efforts to promote domestic rice consumption.
The regional distribution of rice planting also reflects the changing landscape of South Korean agriculture. Jeollanam-do provincecurrently holds 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 is a complex issue with far-reaching implications for South Korean agriculture. While the government’s efforts to maintain rice supply and demand balance have been successful, the changing consumer landscape and the increasing adoption ofalternative crops pose significant challenges for the future of rice cultivation in the country.
The government is expected to continue monitoring the situation and adjust its policies as needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the rice industry.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240827002600881?section=society/index&input=rss
Views: 1