Smaller planting area trims harvest despite improved per-hectare yields, MODS says.

By Chun Byung-soo

This year’s rice harvest is expected to decrease from last year.

According to the “2026 rice production outlook survey results” released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS) on Oct. 8, this year’s rice production is projected to be 3,518,000 tons, down 21,000 tons (0.6%) from last year’s 3,539,000 tons.

The decline in rice production is analyzed to be due to a reduction in rice cultivation area. This year’s rice cultivation area is 670,000 hectares, down 8,000 hectares (1.1%) from last year’s 678,000 hectares. According to the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS), cultivation area decreased as measures to ensure appropriate rice production were implemented, including the strategic crop direct payment program and projects to convert paddies to other crops.

However, an official at the Ministry of Data and Statistics (MODS) said, “Compared with last year, when frequent rains led to severe disease and pest damage, weather conditions were favorable during the tillering period, when the plants branch, and during the period when rice grains form, so yield per unit area appears likely to increase.”

Chun Byung-soo

Published Date: October 8, 2026