Cultivation Area Shrinks to Lowest Since 1975 Amid Strategic Crop Initiatives.

Statistics Korea released the “2024 Rice Production Survey Results” on Nov. 15, revealing that this year’s rice production in South Korea is estimated at 3.585 million tons. This figure represents a 3.2% decrease from last year’s 3.702 million tons, marking the third consecutive year of decline in rice production. The rate of decline is the largest since 2020, when it was 6.4%.

The reduction in rice production is attributed to a combination of factors, including a decrease in cultivation area and adverse weather conditions. This year’s cultivation area stands at 697,713 hectares, a 1.5% decrease from last year’s 708,012 hectares. This is the smallest cultivation area since related statistics began being compiled in 1975. Statistics Korea explained, “The cultivation area has decreased due to policies promoting appropriate production to balance rice supply and demand.” In response to rice oversupply, the government and local governments have been encouraging the cultivation of other crops through programs such as the Strategic Crop Direct Payment System and the Non-Rice Crop Cultivation Support Project.

Additionally, heavy rains and high temperatures during the ripening period of rice grains (September to October) have exacerbated pest and disease damage, further reducing yield per unit area. The yield per 10 ares (100 square meters) is 514 kilograms, a 1.8% decrease from last year’s 523 kilograms. The nationwide increase in damage from the rice water weevil has significantly impacted production, expanding the decrease to over 3%.

By region, South Jeolla Province recorded the highest rice production at 709,000 tons, followed closely by South Chungcheong Province with 706,000 tons and North Jeolla Province with 545,000 tons. These regions are traditionally major rice-producing areas in South Korea, and their contributions are crucial to the national rice supply.

Published Date: November 15, 2024