Root insights

Weather phenomena affected 12 hectares of bean, potato and pea crops in Anchonga and Ccochaccasa

Last year, the amount of fresh radish imports surged 11-fold compared to the previous year. In this situation, the government decided to extend the period of application of the foreign fresh radish quota tariff until April. Farmers criticized that excessive increase in imports could weaken the domestic consumption base and lead to the collapse of the domestic production base. ◆Radish imports surge 11-fold… Highest in 12 years = According to the Korea Customs Service, the amount of foreign fresh radish imported from January to December 2024 was 14,871 tons. This is an 11.4-fold increase compared to 2023 (1,307 tons), and the highest in 12 years since 2012 (16,933 tons). The surge in imports is interpreted as a result of a combination of factors such as increased prices due to a decrease in domestic production and the government’s application of quota tariffs. According to the production area, the production of winter radish in 2024-2025 has decreased significantly due to the abnormally high temperatures that have continued since last summer and the heavy rain in late autumn (October-November). According to the ‘December Leaf Vegetable Observation’ released by the Korea Rural Economic Institute at the end of last year, the production of winter radish is expected to be 319,895 tons. It is a 9.6% decrease from the previous year (354,020 tons) and a 15.6% decrease from the average year (378,890 tons). The decrease felt by farmers is even greater. Park Il-sik, who grows winter radish in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, said, “Usually in January, a box of 20 kg per 3.3㎡ (1 pyeong) comes out, but this year, it is only 10 kg,” and “Even that is small in size and of poor quality.” The price continued its upward trend. On the 15th, 20kg boxes of radish were sold at 27,749 won per box at Garak Market in Seoul. This is 175.8% higher than the average in January last year (10,063 won) and 127.7% higher than the average year (12,186 won). ◆Government, “Extend import quota tariff until April”… Farmers, “Production base will collapse while trying to control prices” = Prices have soared, but farmers’ expressions are not bright. Farmers are complaining that the decline in production is greater than the increase in prices, making it difficult to make ends meet. In the midst of this, the government decided to extend the quota tariff application period from the end of last year to April, saying it is preparing for a shortage of radish supply, causing farmers to feel even more frustrated. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Climate change is intensifying high temperatures, creating a critical situation in the production of essential crops worldwide, such as potatoes. In agricultural regions such as Los Lagos and La Araucanía, where temperatures peaked at over 32 degrees, this would be decreasing soil yields and threatening the economic stability of farmers. However, a scientific breakthrough led by the University of Illinois in the United States could change this panorama: these are genetically modified potatoes capable of withstanding extreme conditions, increasing their productivity by 30% without losing nutritional quality. As part of the RIPE (Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency) project, a team from the University of Illinois achieved a significant breakthrough by genetically improving the photosynthetic pathway of potatoes. This development allowed the plants to withstand extreme temperatures, increasing the mass of their tubers by 30%.