Finding ways to stabilize strawberry production in response to abnormal weather conditions on site.

On the afternoon of December 17, Rural Development Administration Director Kwon Jae-han visited Seokjeong Strawberry Farm in Yeomchi-eup, Asan-si, South Chungcheong Province, to inspect the quality of strawberries being shipped and the current production status.

 In addition, we met with Han Min-woo, CEO of Seokjeong Strawberry Farm, and discussed the cultivation facilities and technology development installed in response to abnormal weather. CEO Han is the 2020 winner of the vegetable category (strawberry category) of the ‘Best Agricultural Technology Master of the Republic of Korea’ selected by the Rural Development Administration.

 By developing a ‘cold stirrer’ that blows groundwater air that maintains a constant temperature (around 15℃) throughout the year into the greenhouse, the temperature suitable for strawberry growth is maintained even during high temperatures. Thanks to this, an environment that promotes strawberry flower bud differentiation and growth is created, and strawberries are harvested and shipped starting in October.

 In addition, the ‘movable high-altitude stand (bed)’ that moves left and right was developed to increase the efficiency of space utilization inside the facility greenhouse. As more stands can be installed, production increased by about 30% compared to conventional cultivation.

 In addition, the company has various cultivation techniques to improve strawberry quality, such as improving the treatment method of dwarfing agents (growth inhibitors) to prevent strawberry seedlings from growing too high, and short-root treatment to make seedling roots thicker. Chungcheongnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services is disseminating the unique technology of one representative to local strawberry farms through a technology dissemination pilot project starting in 2022.

 Director Kwon said, “Representative Han’s unique cultivation technique is the result of combining knowledge accumulated through long experience with modern technology.” He added, “We will strive to ensure that the techniques of experts and excellent private technologies will serve as a catalyst for solving problems in the farming field and enhancing agricultural competitiveness.”

 In addition, he said, “In order for our strawberries to continue to be loved not only domestically but also internationally, we must reduce production volatility and secure quality competitiveness.” He added, “The Rural Development Administration will do its best in research and development and technology dissemination so that difficulties in the field can be resolved.”

 The Rural Development Administration is conducting research on new varieties, nursery breeding, cultivation technology, and facility improvement to ensure the sustainable development of the domestic strawberry industry, and is distributing them to the field. It is also providing on-site technical support in cooperation with related organizations such as the Provincial Agricultural Technology Institute and city/county agricultural technology centers.

 In particular, new technologies are being disseminated, such as ‘cutting seedling’ production technology for mass production of healthy strawberry seedlings, technology for heating and cooling the root zone around plant roots (rhizosphere) using agricultural ducts ^* and cooling plates (pads), and circulating hydroponic cultivation technology for reducing management costs and carbon emissions.

 *Agricultural duct: Air conditioning equipment installed for heating and cooling inside a greenhouse

 Next year, we plan to operate a permanent livestock management council between central and local rural development agencies to quickly resolve on-site issues such as abnormally high and low temperatures and lack of sunlight.

Editor. Hong Se-yeong